Grace M. Vanest, 91, of Bedford, died at 11:35 a.m. on Tuesday at her daughter's residence. Born April 12, 1919, near Columbus, she was the daughter of Jesse and Mary Anne (Bundy) Alexander. She married the Rev. O. Lester Vanest on July 10, 1937, and he preceded her in death on Nov. 7, 1993. She attended Dipper School, a one-room school four miles west of Columbus, for eight years, and Columbus High School, graduating with the class of 1937. She was a member of Erie United Methodist Church. She was a beloved wife and mother; and cook at Rivervale Methodist Church Camp for 15 years. She and her husband served in United Methodist churches locally at Heltonville, Erie and Springville, and other United Methodist Churches in Southern Indiana. She ministered with her husband as a gospel singer, choir leader, youth worker and women's leader. Surviving are two sons, Everett "Bud" Vanest and wife Joyce of Bloomington, and Tom Vanest and wife Kristin of Dennison, Texas; one daughter, Marigrace Bennett and her husband Nick of Bedford; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester Vanest; one daughter, Wanda Griffin; and eight siblings. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the Erie United Methodist Church with Bud Vanest officiating. Burial will follow in Erie Methodist Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday at the Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home in Bedford. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice in memory of Grace M. Vanest. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fergusonlee.com.
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Categories: Erie Cemetery, Erie, Indiana