Barbara came bouncing into this world on August 20, 1939 in Victoria, Texas. She was the daughter of Howard and Vera Goode Garber, and stepfather, Michael J. Garber, who have preceded her in death, the last sibling of a large family of eleven children who have all preceded her in death. She follows sisters, Connie, Norma, and Iris; brothers, Richard, Curtis, Douglas, Howard, Milton, Jesse, and Wayne, and also her Mother and Father in law, Gordon and Violet Kester; brother-in law, Larry Kester and sister-in law, Eleanor Noah. Left behind are husband LaVaine Kester of 63 years; daughter, Robin (Bret); sons, Robert (Sherry), Ronald, and Russell (Karla), nine grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.
Barbara met LaVaine on his first day in San Antonio as his parents had come to Harlandale Christian Church as ministers. The youth group had a party to meet the preachers kids that evening. Sure enough he allowed himself to be caught 5 years later. Barbara went all 12 years in Harlandale School system, she was an excellent student and a member of the National Honor Society, also was selected as most out standing math student. Barbara accepted a scholarship to Draugh's Business College, she finished a 12 month course in 6 months and went to work for City Public Service as Secretary to the gas dept. manager. This lasted until Robins birth, then she became a house wife. Barbara went back to the work place after the children started school. Her first job was with the McKenna Memorial Hospital as administrative secretary to the administrator. She spent the rest of her working life and retired with Structural Metals now CMC Steel group as benefits manager for 50 plus plants coast to coast.
Barbara was very active with her Church, as Sunday school teacher, greeter, making visitor bread, and fellowship meals. She always said, ”you don't feed your family just one item, feed them a complete meal so you bring several items.”
Barbara very much loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed their visits, sporting events and birthday parties.
I miss her very much, I needed her to talk and holler at me for messing up. Without her, I may not have finished high school. It will take a long time for me to adjust. I'll miss her counsel.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 21, 2021, at the New Braunfels Christian Church, 737 N Loop 337, NB. at 11:00 am. All that knew and loved her are welcome to attend and there will be fellowship following the services.
Our Family would like to thank Kindred Hospice for there kindness and care of our Wife and Mother.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Susan B. Komen Society, Kindred Hospice of San Marcos, and the American Cancer Society.
Services are under the direction of Goetz Funeral Home located at 713 N. Austin Street, Seguin, Texas 78155. 830-379-2313
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
New Braunfels Christian Church
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