Hester R. Ames

Hester R. Ames, of Jaffrey, NH, died peacefully at the Good Shepherd Healthcare Center on March 19, 2012 at the age of 97. She was born Hester Rona Small to Melvin A. and Alice P. Small on November 2, 1914, in Amherst, NH. Hester graduated from Amherst High School, Plymouth Normal School, and then from Northeastern University in 1966 with a Master’s degree in education. She taught many years in Tyngsborough, Mass. and finished her teaching career with her favorite age group, fifth graders, in Andover, Mass. in 1973. Hester married Forrest Ames at her parents’ home in Amherst on June 24, 1939. They began their marriage in a lakeside cottage in Orange, Mass. before settling in Tyngsborough, Mass. in 1943. In the 1950s through 80s they enjoyed summers at the camp the family had built together in Casco, Maine. In 1971 they moved to a Colonial home in Jaffrey with a spectacular view of her beloved Mt Monadnock in the back yard. They celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2009 with a party at their home with many relatives and friends. Hester will long be remembered for her “love of life” and the people in it. Her enthusiasm was contagious. She enjoyed animals, birds, flowers, astronomy, music, poetry, and learning for learning’s sake. Her students will remember her all their lives for her love of teaching and personal attention to them. When Hester retired she bought a piano and an organ and played them both well into her nineties. Her signature piece “The Robin’s Return” was thrilling to all listeners. She also did beautiful crafts including knitting, needlepoint, and embroidery. Gardening was another interest, especially rose gardening. With her husband they traveled to antiques shows after setting up their home business Cricket Hill Antiques. Everyone appreciated Hester’s delicious meals, such as “slumgullion”, cornflake baked chicken, and apple pie. Hester had served on the Jaffrey Historic Commission. She and Amesy worked many years on the antiques auction for the First Church of Jaffrey annual fair. In addition, Hester often lectured on her favorite research subject Hannah Davis bandboxes. She traveled to local historical societies around New Hampshire and Vermont. Hester always put her whole effort into everything she did. Hester is survived by her husband Forrest “Amesy” Ames, their son Stephen and his wife Joan of Marlborough, NH, as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. Hester’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends honor her life with a contribution to the Jaffrey Historical Society, 40 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452. Family and friends will honor and remember Hester’s life by gathering at the Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 33 River Street, (Route 202 South) in Jaffrey on Friday March 23, 2012 at 11:00AM for a service to be conducted by her son Stephen and Rev. Robert Kyte from the First Church of Jaffrey. Spring Burial will be in the family lot at Phillips Cemetery in Jaffrey Center. http://thetributecenter.com/tributeplayer/default.aspx?webcasteventid=1210#/webcast