Shelba Jean (Napper) Jester

Shelba Jean (Napper) Jester went home to meet her savior on February 7, 2025. Shelba was born on February 25, 1938 in Oak Hill, Ohio to Walter K. and Viola E. (Leonard) Christian. Shelba was the 6th child out of 16 siblings. She truly loved being from a large family and enjoyed traveling and spending time with all of her sisters right until the last couple of years as her health would no longer allow her to travel.

When Shelba was 9 years old they moved from Oak Hill to Marion where her father would own and operate the Marion Bus Lines. After Shelba finished school she would meet Dale (Tom) Napper who was working for the Marion Bus Lines. They soon married and had seven children. Shelba was an amazing mother and spent her whole life taking care of and spending time with her children and grandchildren. There was rarely a time when five generations of the family was not traveling, playing cards and games, or just hanging out at Grandma's having her homemade chicken and noodles.

Shelba was, also, known as a hard worker, sometimes working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. She was the manager for the Murphy's Restaurants both uptown and at the Southland Mall; after they closed she went to work for U-Brand Industries and when she retired some 20 years later, they gave her a special award for having perfect attendance the whole time she was employed.

Shelba had a large family but she also had many friends because if you knew her, you knew that she was the nicest and kindest person and would do anything to help you that she could. Shelba was a member of Pure Faith Church in Marion.

Shelba is survived by her children Rick (Tammy) Napper, Sheryl (Robert) Jester, Timothy Napper, Kathleen (Frank) Frazzini, and Rita (Bill) Maniaci all of Marion. Siblings Barbara Sisson, Glenna "Peggy" (Dave) Stewart, Sarah Gramling all of Marion and Olivia Christian of Georgia. Special niece Jennifer Weng. She is also survived by many special grandchildren who are too many to list.

Shelba is predeceased by her first husband Dale (Tom) Napper. Her second husband Harold Jester. Her children David Napper and Trudy Jo Napper. Grandchildren Katelynn Blevins and Ricky Napper, Jr.. Her parents and siblings Walter (Hayden) Christian, Mary White, Shirley Ebert, Delmar Christian, John Marvin Christian, Geraldine Harris, Delores Christian, Carol Severns, Beverly Keckler, Michael Christian, and Vicki Christian.

We can not give enough praise and gratitude to the Compassus Hospice team for the overwhelming love and support that was shown to our mother and all of our family during this difficult time. We will forever be grateful for the comfort that was received from each and every member of their team. We would also like to thank Dr. Reddy and his staff for the many years of excellent care the she received.