Gina, Marie Hester, 64, of Keokuk, formerly of Winfield, died Friday, June 16, 2023, at her home in rural Keokuk.
Gina was born on Jan. 19, 1959, in El Centro, Calif., the daughter of James Jerome Ulshoeffer and Betty Lou McLaughlin.
She married Karl Gregory Hester on Aug. 14, 1982, in San Diego, Calif. She had three children, Troy Ulshoeffer and Jessie, and Karla Hester.
Gina loved everyone deeply, but the sun rose and set on her love for her children. She was a magnet for those who were hurting, and had a unique way to seek out and communicate with those who were suffering as she was.
Gina's family was her life, and she always looked forward to the next event that she could encourage her children and grandchildren in their next endeavor, being sports, band, or otherwise. She was wildly creative, being experienced in cross stitch, puzzles, or anything relating to needlepoint.
She loved tattoos, and always supported everyone around her to indulge in the art of self expression. Gina was blunt, straightforward and truthful, even when you didn't want her to be. She was the embodiment of a 'momma bear' and loved her children fiercely. If anyone crossed her three children, they would feel the wrath of Gina Hester. She had an extraordinary ability to create a safe place for her kids and their friends to have fun, and many parties and get together's were held under her roof.
Gina was a devoted wife and always assured that the people around her were loved, and that they knew it. She was a mother to all, and was known for her cooking, especially her lumpias, meatloaf, taco dip, and definitely her pickle wraps.
Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Karl Hester; her son, Troy (Tiffany) Ulshoeffer of rural Brewton, Ala.; her daughters, Jessie (Kale) Burnett of Fort Rucker, Ala., and Karla (Alex) Sekowski of Burlington; five grandchildren, Broderick and Zane Ulshoeffer, and Abraham, Obadiah, and Abigail Burnett to whom she was known affectionately as "Tiny Nana"; one brother, John (Naomi) Ulshoeffer of Warrenton, Ore.; one sister, Jenny (Dan) Frostad of Gresham, Ore.; and many extended family members and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jerry Ulshoeffer; and one grandson, Troy Jr.
Family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, Burlington. The family request casual dress as Gina was always fond of a good pair of blue jeans.
The Celebration of Life for Gina will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers or other material tributes, the family respectfully requests donations be made in Gina's memory to Change Unchained, an organization created and facilitated by her son, Troy, and his wife, Tiffany. Change Unchained is an organization that hopes to rescue and rehabilitate individuals afflicted by human trafficking. The campaign's donations will be utilized to cover the monthly cost of housing survivors at the Burn It Down Ranch, a cause Gina adherently championed. https://donorbox.org/legacy-of-love-the-gina-hester-memorial-fund
The family invites everyone to join them in this tribute to Gina. Your words of remembrance are welcomed during the donation process. Simply leave your messages in the "comment" box.
Gina M. Hester - a life beautifully lived, a legacy passionately continued. "We love you, Mom."