Hester Rossiter Gildow

It is with deep sorrow and love that we share the passing of our beloved mother, Hester Rossiter Gildow, who left us peacefully May 9, 2025, at the age of 86. Hester was born to Jesse and Jewell Rossiter on July 13, 1938. She is survived by her husband, Lee; her children, Joy (Dennis) Seiler and Joseph Gildow. She leaves behind grandsons Aaron (Tiffany) Seiler, Ben Seiler, and her precious great-grandchildren, Eve, Jonah, Jacob, and Daniel. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Duane Rossiter, Juanita Markey, Charles Rossiter, and Richard Rossiter. She leaves her beloved sister, Nancy Theiss, to carry her memory forward. Hester was named for her maternal great-grandmother. On a great adventure as a young woman, Hester moved to Washington, D.C. and worked in the secretarial pool for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the J. Edgar Hoover building. Afterward, she returned home to the ridge and married the love of her life, Lee Gildow, on June 6, 1959.

Hester was the heart and soul of our family, a woman of quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Her love of God taught her to live in service to others, guided by love and a gentle spirit that touched everyone she met. Her hands were always busy, whether preparing a warm meal for someone in need, creating a welcoming home, hosting large family reunions, or caring for her beloved animals and the needs of the family farm. She offered her best in all she did and was known to enjoy many requests for her well-known specialty: cherry pie. She was happiest when surrounded by loved ones, and her nurturing nature showed brightest when she spent time rocking, reading, and playing with her great-grandchildren. Each one brought her great joy. Hester came to faith as a child and served the Lord her entire life. She was a lifelong member of the Crum Ridge Church of Christ.

Friends may call Monday, May 12, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday May 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Crum Ridge Church of Christ, where all are welcome to gather to celebrate Hester. Randy Chapman and Aaron Seiler will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Crum Ridge Cemetery Fund – c/o Lee Gildow, 41716 Crum Ridge Road, Caldwell, Ohio, 43724. An online guestbook may be signed at www.mcvay-perkins.com. Although we will miss her every day, we find peace in knowing she in the arms of God and that her spirit lives on in all who loved her.