Lester, Lois Francisco

After a long and courageous battle with bronchiectasis, former Christiansburg resident, Lois Francisco Lester, 79, of Bandera, Texas, left this earth December 30, 2011, at her home with her children by her side. Her family believes she was greeted at the gates of heaven with the words of Jesus, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. [Come] in peace and be freed from your suffering” (Mark 5:34). Lois was born in Christiansburg to James Calvin and Minnie Marie Francisco, who preceded her in death. She has been reunited with them, as well as her husband, Ralph Richardson Lester, also of Christiansburg, with whom she shared over 30 years of love, laughter, and not a few cocktails. She is survived by her children, Vann Vandervoort (Michele), of Houston, Texas, Rebecca Ponton, of Bandera, Texas, Chad Vandervoort, of Austin, Texas, Rod Vandervoort, of Atlanta, Ga., and Kirk Vandervoort, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; and grandchildren, Calvin Ponton, of Bandera, Texas, Blair and Morgan Vandervoort, of Houston, Texas, and Killian Vandervoort, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla. She is also survived by Ralph’s children, Mark Williams (Joan), of Radford, Tim Lester (Wendy), of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Melissa Milione (Paul), of Orange Park, Fla.; as well as many friends in Virginia and scattered across the country. Cremation was handled by Wright’s Funeral Parlor in Kerrville, Texas, and a Private Service was held by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Lung Association or charity of the giver’s choice. They also hope that everyone who knew Lois will be comforted by the memory of her ever-present smile and laughter.