Raymond Kester

Raymond Kester was the 13th child born May 24, 1954, to Kenneth and Violet Kester. Ray was a gentle, quiet and caring soul. He loved his family and was very present in their lives. He was also an amazing son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, great uncle, great great uncle and friend to all who were blessed to know him.
Ray spent most of his childhood and part of his adult life in Custer, S.D. He worked in the timber in and around Custer for many years, cutting logs along with his dad and many of his siblings. Not long after he married his wife, Gloria, in 1985, they moved to Rapid City, S.D., where Ray worked as a car detailer for Liberty Motors until his retirement.
As Gloria’s health deteriorated Ray made the decision to move to Upton, Wyo., to be closer to their daughter, Raquel, and their grandchildren so he would have help in caring for Gloria. When Raymond’s health deteriorated, he moved back to Rapid City and lived with his sister, Mary Parker, who cared for him until he passed away.
Raymond passed away, Nov. 23, 2022, at Monument Hospice House, Rapid City. He was 68.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Kester; parents, Kenneth and Violet Kester; siblings, Violet Holmes, Kenny Kester, Virginia Hardesty, and Dorothy Dean; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.     
Ray is survived by his daughter, Raquel (Jeff) Hargrave; grandchildren, Amber (John) Ryan and grandson Skyler, Brittany Crackel and Bailey (Wyatt) Perkins and grandsons Taylor and Sawyer; siblings, Dickie, Wayne, Bob, Tom, Bill, Joe and Gary Kester, Deloris Waddington, Donna (Milton) Stratton, Norma Skinner, Mary Parker and Marilyn (Danny) Akkerman; along with numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Raymond loved all of his family and he has left us a great legacy. Remember we are family and family take care of one another.  Family is everything.
Celebration Of Life will be 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Custer VFW Post #3442 at 721 Mt. Rushmore Road in Custer.