Hester C. Gregory, 70, a long-time Walton, NY resident, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at home after a short illness.

She was born in Walton on July 5, 1936, the daughter of the late William H. and Carolyn (Money) Coons. She was a 1953 graduate of Walton High School where she was a cheerleader. Hester was a member of the First Congregational Church in Walton, where she was married to Richard Gregory on October 11, 1953.

She was manager of the Country Store in Walton for many years. She was also employed by Ultra Power and as a clerk at J. J. Newberry's in Walton. Hester enjoyed working on crafts and scrapbooking pictures. She was a coach and booster for wrestling and was an organizing member of Walton Small Fry football.

Hester is survived by her husband: Richard Gregory, four daughters: Teresa (Ronald) Cobb of Port Jervis, NY, Debbie Budine of Memphis, TN, Connie (Mark) Lambrecht of Trout Creek, NY, Anne (David) Terry of Franklin, NY and two sons: William (Kim) Gregory and Tim (Michelle) Gregory of Walton, NY; two sisters: Florence Peterson of Sacramento, CA, Carolyn Coons of East Syracuse, NY, 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was

predeceased by her 4 brothers, George Coons, Keith Coons, Roswell Coons and William Coons, Jr.,and a sister, Isabelle Trapp.

Family and friends are invited to call Friday evening, April 13, 2007 from 6 to 8 PM at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend Street, Walton. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:00 PM at the First Congregational Church, corner of Mead and North Streets, Walton with Rev. Stephen Blews officiating. Burial will be in Walton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Hester's memory may be made to Walton Emergency Squad, 63 West Street, Walton, NY 13856