Ralph Lester, 82

Ralph Jean Lester was born July 12, 1939, to Ralph and Beatha (Madden) Lester in Tacoma, Wash. He attended Woodland Grade School and graduated in 1957 from Puyallup High School.

In 1957, Ralph enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as an electronics technician and was honorably discharged in 1961. Ralph worked for Consolidated Motor Freight for 32 years and was a member of the Local Teamster Union #741 in Seattle, Wash. He retired in 1996. He later took a job working as a mail carrier for Skyline and in 2005 retired.

Ralph was united in marriage to his loving and devoted wife, Patricia Darlene Lester, in 1994. The couple made their home in Puyallup, Wash., Worley, Idaho, and later moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Ralph died peacefully on July 16, 2021, at the age of 82 at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene.

Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, woodworking, gardening and especially time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ralph is lovingly remembered by his wife, Patricia Lester of Coeur d’Alene; children, Kathryn (and Mike) Sexton of Tacoma, Wash., David (and Trixie) Lester of Evans Mills, N.Y., Mary (and Bill) Senn of Maple Valley, Wash., Jeanne Lester of New Castle, Wash., and Janey (and John) Andrews of Federal Way, Wash.; stepsons, John (and Stefani) Hoffman of Worley, Idaho, and Robert Fuller of Olympia, Wash.; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, Daniel (and Sally) Lester of Rice, Wash.; and a sister, Rose Steel “Ikey” of Tyler, Texas; and his two little Yorkies who were his companions and best friends - Krystal and Erkel. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Joan Fukai; sister, Evelyn Gitt; and brothers, Dick and Joe Lester.

Family will be holding private services at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kootenai Humane Society. Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. On-line registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.