Hester Franklin, 80, of Plymouth went to be with her savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 after a short battle with leukemia.
Hester Armita Slater was born in Plymouth, NY on March 7, 1936 the daughter of Joseph and Clara (Dutcher) Slater. Her dad died when she was only one year old. She told us often her Grandpa Slater spoiled her and one of her favorite memories of her grandpa was teaching her the Lord’s Prayer which started her journey of faith.
Hester went to school in Plymouth enjoying the friendship of Carol (Pike) Beckwith and Shirley (Grim) Knackster. Hester graduated from the Norwich High School in 1954 and on August 27, 1954 she married Wallace Franklin. Once married she became the step mom to his four children Virginia, Janice, Ernest and Donald. She was a great step mom and loved them dearly. Hester was also blessed with two daughters, Gladys and Gretchen.
Hester worked outside the home at Woolworth’s, the Norwich Family Bargain Center and the Norwich Knitting Mill. She also worked on the family farm, referring to herself as a feeder where she fed the family, hired hands, cows, calves, turkey’s and pigs. Hester enjoyed reading, the outdoors, taking pictures, the family and making memories. After Hester and Wallace retired from the family farm they enjoyed traveling to historic sights and sightseeing. Lancaster and Niagara Falls where her favorite. They also enjoyed picking grapes, cherries, apples, tomatoes, and strawberries. Hester preserved the harvest with freezing and canning. There was always a hot friendly meal at their house. After Wallace’s stroke there was a weekly pancake dinner where Hester’s pancakes were enjoyed with family and friends. Everyone was welcome.
Hester always had time for kids, taking them to look at Christmas lights, traveling on back roads in the gold pick-up truck, playing a loud game of pit or taking kids to Vacation Bible School in Plymouth and Beaver Meadow. She believed in respecting nature and the environment. A few years ago a wild hen turkey came down to the cabin with a lame leg. Hester kept the turkey alive through the winter feeding her on the ramp to the cabin, as well as the geese that lived at the cabin during the summer. Hester said they were the best watch dogs. Kind words and showing kindness were important to her bringing harmony to life and family. She was the hub of the family life and family.
Hester is survived by Gladys (Preston ) Branagan of Plymouth, Gretchen (Tom) Gage of Mt. Upton, Ginger (Delbert) Monday of Plymouth, Janice Scott of Plymouth, Ernest (Mary) Franklin of Mt. Upton and Donald (Betty) Vanderwarker of DeRuyter. Several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive and a special best friend Laura Slater.
The last few months Hester had health issues that requires her to be in different hospitals. Words cannot begin to describe the blessings God gave Hester and her family. The wonderful health care providers that made her journey to the end of life peaceful. The family of Hester want to thank everyone at the Rehab Unit at Chenango Memorial Hospital. Your kind hands, smiles and words brought comfort. Yes John, you were her favorite!!
Hester was predeceased by her parents, her husband Wallace, brothers Clarence and Carl Slater, son-in-law Gary Scott, nephew Clarence Slater ,a granddaughter Cindy Monday and a great granddaughter Allison Braman.
A funeral service for Hester will be held on Thursday at 10 am from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. Pastor Jennifer Westervelt, Pastor of the Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the South Side Cemetery of Plymouth.
Friends may call at the R.J,.Fahy Funeral Home on Wednesday from 1-3, 6-8 pm.
Hester was a lifelong member of the Plymouth United Methodist Church. Please consider memorial contributions to the Plymouth United Methodist Church or to the Plymouth Fire Dept.