William Arthur Kester (Bill) was born on November 16, 1934 in Alamosa, Colorado. He passed away at home surrounded by family on October 22, 2026. Bill was the patriarch of a five-generation family. Together he and his wife of 71 years, Rosalee, raised a family on the farm and ranch.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalee, his children Jane Devine (Peter), Chris Kester (Carol), Gwyn Dickerson (Dean), Tracy Kester (Mary), Michael Kester (Mary) and his sister Eleanor Camp. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jessica Weinette (Michael), Susan Holder (Jeff), Karen Mizokami, Michael Kester (Amanda), Kimberly Fringer (Kevin), Amy Kester-Vargo (Will), Marlin Dickerson, Ryan Dickerson (Crystal), Travis Dickerson (Lena), Andrea Kester (Matt), Ashlie Kester, Lori Vessels (Colton), Tom Kester (Beth) as well as numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Frank and Ethel Kester, his sister Sara Sours and great-great granddaughter Vivian Vessels.

Services will be held at the Blanca Fort Garland Community Center on October 29, 2026 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the services at the Blanca Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to a time of celebrating his life and sharing a meal afterwards at the Blanca Fort Garland Community Center. A private family viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 5- 7 pm at Rogers Family Mortuary, Alamosa, CO.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the William/Rosalee Kester Scholarship Fund to benefit those who wish to pursue a career in the agriculture field.