Helen R. (Black) Hester, age 76, of Carman, IL and Key Largo, FL, passed away Monday, July 19, 2021 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. She was born July 20, 1944, the daughter of Herby and Edith Lowman Black. She was married to Tom Hester. He preceded her in death.

Helen spent much of her time in Key Largo, where she owned and operated the Hideout Restaurant for many years.

Survivors include one daughter; Loresa Hester of Key Largo, FL, three sons; Gregg Hester of California, Loren (Keena) Hester, Atlanta, GA, and Ronald Hancock, of Key Largo, ten grandchildren, one great granddaughter, one sister; Jeannie Timmerman of Carman, IL, and one brother; John Black of Prairie Grove, AR. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter; Lorenda Hester, and five brothers; Charlie, Herbie, Richard, Ronald, and Loren Black.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation rites have been accorded. Helen's ashes will be interred in the Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City, at a later date. Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst is assisting the family. Please visit Helen's obituary at banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.