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Obituary For Ruth Ann Hester
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Mrs. Ruth Ann Hester, who peacefully entered into rest on December 22, 2025. Ruth was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose kindness and strength touched every life she encountered.
Her memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her. Ruth’s legacy of love, compassion, and resilience will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Ruth was affectionately known as “Smooch” by her family and friends. She had a passion for cooking and baking and was widely known for her exceptional culinary talents. She turned her childhood name, Smooch, into a family business that showcased her baking and featured seasonal packaged nuts and other delights. Along with baking, Ruth also loved decorating and crafting. She always had a project underway that incorporated the word of God, which she would share with others.
Those left to cherish her life and memories includes her husband of 40 years, George Hester; five children: Valerie Dickerson (Derrick), Chad Hester, Wynette Hester, Georgette Johnson (Thaddaeus), and Kevin Hester (Aleisha); sister Mattie Lee Whitfield (Charlie); sisters-in-law Vivian Hampton, and JoAnn Hampton; brothers-in-law; Clinton Hester, Robert Hester, Samuel Hester; twelve grandchildren, special mention Joshua Dickerson and Danielle Dickerson; and two great grandchildren; special nieces Tara Norman (James), Rebecca Freeman, Marquita McGhee (Eric), Kayla Daniels (Deon); goddaughter Thille Turner, godson Bryce Wilson (Taranda); lifelong friends - Novie Booker, Pat Ward and Hextonia Harden; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, friends, loved ones and her beloved dogs, Benji and Lexi.
The family will receive friends Friday, January 2nd from 4 pm to 6 pm at the funeral home.
Funeral service will be 11:00 am, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Whole Life Ministries, 2621 Washington Road. Interment, Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Kinsey & Walton Funeral Home 3618 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta Ga 30906 (706) 790-8858
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Karrie Senn sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Ruth Ann Hester - January 02, 2026
Shawana Hensley sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for Ruth Ann Hester - January 01, 2026
There are no words for the loss of Ruth's companionship. Heartbreak and joy are strange bedfellows. Grateful for her peaceful healing yet missing her in deep sorrow. There are many deepest condolences to each of the family members of my cherished friend, mentor, and confidant. May her flight lessons continue as she dawns her wings in heaven and rejoices in the Lord!
The Celebration of Life service for Ms Ruth can be viewed at https://boxcast.tv/view/january-3-2026---ruth-hester-homegoing-daujmwglz9qoumnusvrw
Joyful Memories The Harris Family Kershaw SC 29067
My sincere condolences to the Hester Family. May God provide comfort as you go through the time of bereavement.
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Our thoughts, sincerest prayers and condolences to the Hester family, beloved friends, Whole life Ministries and everyone affected by Mrs. Ruth's passing. I will always remember Mrs. Ruth telling her Sunday School class at Whole life Ministries 'God wants to bless you.' This has always been tattooed to my heart with her name on it. I, too, read it in the Bible afterwards and Wow 😳, Mrs. Ruth came to mind. She had the prettiest face with a spiritual glow and an infectious smile that attracted everyone. Mrs. Ruth, your labor of love will always be remembered and your labor of love has not gone in vain. It has been years since I have seen you but I believe that you have finished the work that God has purposed for you here in the earth. You represented Jesus Christ -a vessel of light and salt, set upon a hill, well. You can now expect a great reward with the Lord saying 'Well done my good and faithful daughter. Sleep peacefully and rest well. Family and love ones, we all can rejoice 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽.
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Sending love and hugs to family‼️ Dr. Ruth and I shared much to do with the kingdom of the Lord and thought and one many victories many levels. She was a loving warrior and friend whom I coached in surrendering to Christ. I will miss her presence on this side of glory, but I look forward to the other side. May her memory forever live in the hearts of those she loved.❤️🙌
Sending love and hugs to family‼️ Dr. Ruth and I shared much to do with the kingdom of the Lord and thought and one many victories many levels. She was a loving warrior and friend whom I coached in surrendering to Christ. I will miss her presence on this side of glory, but I look forward to the other side. May her memory forever live in the hearts of those she loved.❤️🙌
My deepest condolences to the family for your loss.🙏🏽 My God give you all comfort and peace in knowing that Ruth is in His loving arms!
We are so blessed to have known Sister Ruth.what a lovely lady. I really enjoyed the women's meeting. I looked forward to getting a big hug before church on Sundays. We loved each other.We have God's promise to see her again.
May God keep you in his loving care
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Ruth inspired me with her commitment to serve God. She will be remembered fondly by her family at WLM.
Every memory I have of Ruth is awesome. I been knowing her all my life like a nephew and a minister. I went to school at whole life we did praise and prayer rallies together for years. She truly loved and served God and family. My condolences to Valerie and her family, continued prayers. I love you all. Amen.
I would like to send my condolences and prayers to the Hester Family at this time. I will always remember how nice she was to me at Whole Life Ministries. Rest in Power Doctor Ruth Hester
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
