Shirley Eva Hester passed away peacefully Monday, July 7, 2025 in Calgary, AB at the age of 89 years.
She is lovingly remembered by her family, Peggy Carey; her three children and their families: son Ryan (Nicole) Carey and their kids: Easton and Dallas; daughter Jamie (Dillon) Casebeer and their kids: Brynlee and Lennon; son Blake (Jordan) Carey and their kids: Bennett and Henry; Blanche (Rick) Lemire, their two children and their families: Marty (Katie) Lemire and their children Liam, Amelia and Maverick; Janine (Sam) Pittman and their child Margot; Gord (Sandy) Hester and their son Brady. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, John Hester; sister, Win Walker; brother, Gordon Faulkner; and son-in-law, Brent Carey.
Shirley was born on December 27, 1935 to parents, Harry and Maisie Faulkner at Mose Pettyjohn’s place. She grew up on her family ranch in Cypress Hills along with her sister Win and brother Gord . Shirley went to Fox school, soon after its closing she attended school in Maple Creek, SK. While attending school in Maple Creek, Shirley met the love of her life, Johnny Hester.
When she finished school she supervised the Merryflat school for 1 year. In fall of 1955 she took a job working at Dixon’s Store in Maple Creek. After marrying Johnny on October 1, 1956, at the BC Cafe in Maple Creek, SK, they moved around working at different ranches. They had their first child, Peggy in 1958, Blanche was to follow in 1959, and they completed their family of five with their son Gord in 1961. In 1963, Shirley and John moved their family west of Fort Macleod in the Spring Point Community to manage the Calderwood Ranch for 23 years. John and Shirley bought the local corner store in Fort Macleod in 1986 and moved to town. After retiring and selling the store they moved out to Orton and were introduced to members of another great community who they considered their “Orton Family”.
Shirley was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She loved to support Johnny at all his team ropings and all her kids and grandchildren through all their school sports and events.
She was always up for a good card game or was willing to take you up on a bet. Shirley also spent time on her hobbies which included sewing, cooking, dancing, curling and she enjoyed being a timer at many local roping events.
A Celebration of Shirley’s Life will be held at Fort Macleod and District Community Hall (Elks Hall), 301 25th Street on
Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stars Foundation at: Stars Donation, 1441 Aviation Park NE Box 570,
Calgary, AB T2E 8M7.
Messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.prairierosefunerals.ca