Elizabeth "Betty" Masters Hester, 97, widow of Robert Woods Hester Sr., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Born in Irvine, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Albert Franklin and Stella Goe Masters.

A graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees, Betty began a lifelong career in education. An English and French teacher, she taught in Fayette County Public Schools, Burgin Independent School, and at the University of Kentucky.

Betty loved to travel, and she and her late husband traveled throughout Europe and Russia. She also volunteered with the Navajo Nation. A member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Betty enjoyed reading, studying theology and philosophy, and spending time at the lake. Most of all, she cherished the time she spent with her family. Known for her positivity and quick wit, Betty lived a full and wonderful life.

She is survived by her children, Carrie Johnson and Robert (Betty) Hester, Jr.; grandchildren, Sarah Johnson Price, Christopher (Tara) Johnson, Lauren (Josh) Lynch, and Michael (Grace) Hester; seven great-grandchildren; and her brother, Bill Masters.

In addition to her parents and her childhood sweetheart, Bobby, to whom she was married for 65 years, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Albert Franklin Masters, Jr., Halmire Masters, Eloise Mackey, and Norma Holbrook.

Ms. Hester's entire family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Martha Wells and "the girls" for the love and care they gave to Gran.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, conducted by The Rev. Karen Booth. Burial will follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, September 21st at Johnson's Funeral Home in Georgetown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, 209 S. Broadway, Georgetown, KY, or Burgin Christian Church, PO Drawer D, Burgin, KY 40310.