Thea Bonnette Lester, 59, of Tama, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019 at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 5-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM at All Saints Episcopal Church in Inverness, MS. Interment will follow at Dozier-Lester Cemetery in Inverness, MS.

Thea was born on February 23, 1959, in Reno, NV, the daughter of Norval John and Roberta (Howard) Shelton.

She attended High School in Stroud, OK.

On December 19, 1981, she was united in marriage to William C. Lester Jr. in Pauls Valley, OK. They moved to Tama in 1994 and she was employed at Meskwaki Bingo & Casino. Thea then attended nursing school at Marshalltown Community College graduating in 2004. A career change led her to East Marshall School District in Le Grand where she was a Paraeducator. She finished her career at South Tama before her retirement. Thea was also known for her candle company called "Aromathea Candles and Gifts."

Thea was a member of St. Paul Episcopal Church in Grinnell. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and cooking but her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Survivors include her husband, Will of Tama; her children, Anthony O'Dugan (Allison) of Ankeny, Tiara (Frank) Luhn of Toledo, Tasha Lester of Toledo, William (Sarah) Lester Crosby of Pleasant Hill, and Corbin Lester of Maryville, MO; grandchildren, Logan Lester, Noah Hlas, Brecken Hlas, Bailey Lester, Arwen Turner, Evan Turner, and Hayden Williams.

Preceding her in death were her parents, John Shelton and Roberta Shelton Pisarek; step-father, Doug Pisarek; siblings, Myra Charleton, John Shelton Jr., and William Shelton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1026 State St., Grinnell, IA 50112 or All Saints Episcopal Church, PO Box 9, Inverness, MS 38753.