Hester Rea loved horses. Above all, she loved her family, her husband Jack, her children Wade, Teri and Buck (Jeri Lynn), her son-in-law Scott (Amanda), her grandchildren Jade, Jake, Silas, Rowan, Cassie and Madison, and all her extended Wyoming family.
But she also dearly loved a good horse, with good breeding, well-trained. She had the instinctive feel for what a horse is, what it will do – how it thinks – that only a born horsewomen can have. She and Jack raised some of the best registered Quarter Horses around, horses that were good for ranch work or for performing in the arena. She loved being there when the mares were foaling, loved watching the new colts get to their feet on their long wobbly legs, loved watching the colts grow into fleet, nimble-footed horses that won national prizes.
The Rea horses were so good that several were sold to a trainer in England, and shipped across the Atlantic on a Boeing 707, flying out of Calgary. Hester and Jack went along, turned the horses over to the new owner, saw a little of the English countryside, and came home. Other Rea horses went to Wales and Belgium. With her daughter Teri in the saddle, riding her horse Hobeau Bonanza, the Reas won the World Championship in the Amateur Trail Class at the World Quarter Horse Show in 1984, at a competition in Oklahoma City. “We took the world!” Hester said. And she did.
Hester was a tough woman in the very best sense of the word. She was strong. She never gave up, and she never gave in. She just kept goin’. Like her husband Jack, she had been shaped by Wyoming wind and weather, growing up on a large sheep & cattle ranch in the central part of the state. She could face the storm, whether arctic blasts sweeping in across the range, or the storms in her own life, in her own family. She had a rancher’s fatalism, a grim acceptance of just how hard life was, and a rancher’s eternal hope. She knew what it was like to step out in the morning to find dead calves, sheep savaged by coyotes, a horse that had broken its leg, a hay crop that had failed. She knew a ranchwoman’s hardships and a cowgirl’s triumphs, growing up on a wild stretch of Wyoming prairie. But nothing ever put her down for long. Troubles never got the best of her. She kept goin’.
Hester was born an Allemand, of French-Basque descent. The Basque are known for their amazing skills in managing livestock, their ability to drive a hard bargain, and their stubbornness. Hester had all the traits. But only to a point. If she cared for you and loved you, her opposition simply melted away. She would do anything for you. She didn’t take; she gave.
When her daughter Teri died much, much too young, when her son Wade was afflicted with MS, when her grandson Silas had cancer (but recovered from it), she grieved, she felt the loss, she held her family close, but she did not stop. She did not give in. She shook her head, took the bitter wind, and moved on. In their 80s, Jack and Hester rose with the first crack of light every morning to feed the horses, to check on the pregnant mares, to attend to the newborn foals. If the wind was howling, if it was the middle of a blizzard, if it was 20 below. They were out there with their horses, taking care. Tough, resolute, dedicated to the job.
But if Hester was tough – in the very best sense of the word – she was also joyful, and loving, and giving, and generous to a fault. She had high standards. She expected a lot from people. But she wanted people to succeed and prosper, and she was happy for them when they did. And she would always help. When you won, she enjoyed your victory with you.
Hester loved music, and she felt that all her children, and grandchildren in turn, should learn to play at least one musical instrument and, preferably, several. She was very…..encouraging. Some might say she pushed the kids and grandkids into their musical careers, and a shove from Hester Rea was a force to be reckoned with. But she pushed them the right direction. She paid for all their lessons, she made them practice, and she went to every recital. And they all became accomplished musicians. The instruments the Rea clan could pick up and play included violin, guitar, mandolin, clarinet, piano and percussion. There was a joyous sound, thanks to Grandma Rea. And her family knew she had guided them well. Grandma’s “push” was a gift of musical delight that would serve them all lifelong.
Hester also believed in people getting out of bed. She was known to call anytime of the day, not just in the morning, and ask, “Are you up yet?”- with the implication that if you weren’t up yet, you should be, and if you were up, you should be doing something productive. Those were Grandma’s “pep talks.” Hester believed in work. She felt it was good for the body, mind, and soul.
She was famous for her “Hesterisms,” bits of cowgirl wit and wisdom that she delivered with a twinkle in her eye. A couple of the family favorites (there were many) were:
“We’re not bakin’ a cake, better get to spurrin’ and scratchin’,”
and
“This is your War Department calling. You’d better get to attention.”
She demanded a lot of people, too much, perhaps, sometimes. But she gave a lot, she worked hard, and she expected people to give a lot back. She forgot sometimes that not everyone was as strong and determined as she was; not everyone had grown up with the Wyoming wind in their face, and learned to love it. If Hester was strong, you had to be strong with her. You could be in trouble if you weren’t. But still, if you fell, she was there to get you back on your feet again.
Jack – Doc Rea – had a veterinary practice in Three Forks for 30 years, and he and Hester ranched on the Madison River, where their children were raised. When she and Jack moved to Helena from Three Forks in 2007, Hester brought 60 horses with her, stallions and mares. Yes, 60. She was a lover of horses. They purchased a ranch east of town where they continued to breed “poppin’ good colts” (a cowboy phrase), and managed the colts’ training. Jack set up his clinic in the barn, and clients came from all over Montana. He was, and is, one of the finest horse vets in the state. They had cut back in recent years to barely 20 head. But there were always horses in Hester’s life. They were her oxygen, her sunshine, the stream in which she swam.
The house they built on the Helena ranch was specially designed for their son Wade, whose MS had restricted him to a wheelchair. Hester’s life, and Jack’s, would be devoted to Wade until he passed away last summer. There would be no hospital or rest home for Wade. A mother would care for her son, at home. Strong. But loving. In sunshine and in rain.
We will miss her. We will love her always.
But we wonder, perhaps, if there isn’t a quick-reining Quarter Horse somewhere, clouds swirling around his feet, the green grass of heaven scenting his nostrils, glancing up at a firm, strong, joyful woman on his back, putting him through his paces. And the pony is saying to himself, in his horse way, this is a horsewoman……
REA, Hester A., age 81 of Helena passed away Monday, March 9, 2015. Please join Hester’s family in celebrating her life at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16th at the Rea Quarter Horse Ranch, 5464 Dana’s Point Road in Helena. Casual Dress; boots and jeans are best. A luncheon will immediately follow the service as well as a time to visit and share memories of a life well lived, with family and friends who feel blessed.
Maria Jerome says
I so enjoyed my chats with Hester at the Montana Gold Futurity and shows. She will be missed.
Lara Engler (Schwabel) says
Hester was an amazing lady with such a giving and loving personality. I received my first Quarter Horse because of her generosity. We had many amazing and wonderful visit with her and Jack over the years. My heart is heavy with her loss.
Holley Woosley Vennes says
Hester was a very neat lady and will be missed. She gave me my very first colt, such generosity. My thoughts go out to her family and friends.
Marija Carte says
Hester was the coolest person to go visit – such a wealth of knowledge and kindness.
So many times she greeted me with a smile and a hug when we hauled a sick horse to Doc Rea in the middle of the night.. and so many times she was a friendly face zooming around in her golf cart at the schooling shows at their barn. I will miss her greatly!
Susan Ostler says
We so enjoyed Hester and her horses. This is a sad day!! I am sorry for her family. She will be missed
Rena Carlson says
Doc, Buck and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. It warmed my heart to bring my gelding – Zans Diamond Monte over to ride and see her smile at his progress. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Beau and Laura Snellman says
Doc,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you during this tough time.
True T. Hibbard says
Hester was good customer and friend. Many years of joking..always deferring to her in fun and knowledge. Will miss knowing shes there. She had a lot of hearbreak in her life…still so much to admire inspite of it.Prayers to her family.
Jan & JoAnn Finn says
We are greatly saddened to hear of Hester’s passing. She was always simply a part of the ranch and horse world that we knew. She had such fun stories, told only the way Hester could tell them.
Not only will her love of her horses, but her knowledge, and her participation in the equine world be missed.
To Jack, Buck, and family, our deepest condolences. Hester really was one-of-a-kind.
Marilyn Randall says
I was so saddened to hear of the Hester’s passing. What a great woman and mother.
I always enjoyed showing horses with her and Terrie. We made some great trail horse memories together. It was a pleasure to sit and visit with her. She was always kind and fair to everyone she met and to her horses.
My condolences to Jack, Buck and family.
Ray and Marilyn Randall
Rita pierce says
Hester was indeed a wonderful woman with a wealth of knowledge I have many memories from the years of showing quarter horses prayers to the family
CHUCK AND BARBARA SNELLMAN says
Jack,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Hester was a great lady and we all will miss her. If we can help you with anything please let us know. Sincerely Chuck and Barbara Snellman
Shelly Richtmyer says
Jack, Buck and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Hester’s passing. We lost a remarkable woman who won’t be replaced. I think of her and you so often when I am with the wonderful horses that we got from you. A wealth of knowledge resided in her.
I am sure there was a great reunion with her children.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Shelly and Lary Richtmyer
Deb Thorpe says
Jack , I am so sorry , I was shocked to hear about Hester. My heart goes out to you for all of your losses.
Trish Dundas Toney says
It is with deep sadness to hear of the passing of Hester!
Her love & knowledge of horses was remarkable. Jack, Buck & family, may your wonderful memories, special moments & happy times together keep your hearts warm with love .
My thoughts are with you, Trish
Mark, Misty and Mesa Radue says
To The Rea Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of Hester! What a great day Mark and I had with her showing us her horses and pictures of her and her family and all the trophies they won! She was full of pride and loved her horses! I loved her wit and humor! She will be missed!
Lynne hall says
I am so sorry. Hester was an inspiration to me. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Ruth Estes Koehler says
Jack, Buck and family,
So sorry to hear of Hester’s passing. So many memories of her and your family, all of those years, “goin down the road”. The world is a little emptier today. Prayers for all of you, and wishing you well.
Gwen Wagner says
The Rea Family,
Hester’s passing will leave a void for you as well as the many friends she had made over the years. My memories of Hester are foremost of the love of her family, secondly the love of her horses and lastly, her loyal friendship. They don’t make ’em like Hester much anymore…she will be deeply missed but she left behind lots of great memories. May she now rest in the joy of seeing Terri and Wade.
Elizabeth Hunton says
I am so very sorry to learn of Hester’s passing. She was a great customer of mine and a fan of Simply A Spark.
I always admired Hester and was grateful for her friendship.
She was a wonderful horsewoman and a help to all.
Sympathy to her family.
Kellie Brindley says
I grew up with this family and loved my visits with jack and Hester. I was lucky enough to just recently run into both jack and Hester and am so thankful for the chance to visit. So sorry to hear of this loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to this wonderful family.
kathy shindoll says
Doc Rea, Buck and family,
I just heard about the passing of Hester and am having trouble thinking of such a wonderful person in every way as being gone from our lives. She taught me and my daughter, Jennilee Bird, everything we know about horses from the ground up and never got irritated by my many questions on training. When she called and asked me to raise a bottle foal for her for about 4 months in 1989 so she could keep showing I never dreamed she would give me “Missy” when I called her and asked when she was going to pick her up when the 4 months was over. She simply said” I am sending you her papers, she is yours!” To this very day Missy was a one in your life horse and I thank Hester and her family for giving such a gift. Doc Rea, Buck and family, such a wonderful woman is gone but will remain in our hearts and thoughts forever, thank you for such a wonderful friendship with all of you.
MQHA says
The Montana Quarter Horse Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Hester. An amazing horsewoman and individual. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack and the Family in this troubling time.
Harry & Donna Dietz says
May our Heavenly Father keep His loving arms around you and your family during this time of need, and bestow upon you the strength to get through this difficult time, and the peace and knowledge that Hester has just gone on ahead, and will be awaiting all of you with open arms forever.
Ruth McDonald-Gates says
Dr. Rea, Buck and Family,
I was so saddened to hear the loss of Hester. She was a true horsewoman and truly all about her family. Having shown with her and with Teri from way back in the late 70’s, our friendship blossomed — with Teri showing her amazing talent playing the piano at my wedding 32 years ago! I was so glad to have run into Hester and Wade here in Great Falls at a cutting where we all had a great visit.
Hugs to you all.
Jim and Amanda Domino says
Dear Jack,
So sorry to hear about Hester. I am still loving my Willow horse, who I bought from Hester 15 years ago. We have so loved the privilege of knowing both of you all these years. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take good of yourself. With Love, Jim and Amanda Domino
Diane Smith says
Doc Rea and family. I always enjoyed visiting with Hester when I would come over with my sister, Kathy Shindoll. She certainly seemed to know everything about her animals, I was amazed. What a nice lady..I’m so sorry.
Dennis & Shannon Meyer says
Doc Rea and family, we were so sorry to learn of Hesters passing, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless you all.
Peggy Lucas says
Dear Doc, Buck, and All:
Kevin and I were very sad to hear of Hester’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
We have many fond memories of Hester, your family, and our shared experiences with the horses. Horses raised by your family were some of the best we rode over the years. Hester was a true original and we know she will be greatly missed by many. Take Care and God Bless you.
Peggy Lucas
Janel Favero says
My prayers go out to the entire Rea family. While I didn’t know Hester well, I know of her legend. She will be greatly missed by many who she supported and cheered for all these years.
Kelly & John Hanson says
Jack and Family,
John and I and the kids are thinking of you. I am glad you have so many memories of Hester, and I am glad we got to know her over the years. She was quite a lady and a horsewoman!
Lisa Graveley Larson says
Jack, Buck, and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Hester…She was such a wonderful lady. I have so many happy memories that include Hester and horses. I pray that you find peace in all of the wonderful memories you have of Hester.
Love and prayers,
Lisa Graveley Larson
Gerald Kitto says
Dear Doc, Buck and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You worked side by side for many years and I still appreciate my days of learning from you and Hester. My prayers for you all.
Jerry Kitto
McClusky, North Dakota
Gary and Susie Chastain (Wow A Skipper) says
Dear Jack and Family,
We were so saddened to hear about Hester’ passing. We can remember all the good times and the tasty lunches we all are together. Still riding Wow A Skipper and she still is the show stopper where ever she goes . If we can help in ant way please call anytime! Hester was a one of a kind Horsewoman and a Lady. So happy to have rode the trail with her. Sending our prayers..
May God Bless,
Gary and Susie Chastain
P.S. And “Wow”
Neal & Deb Lloyd says
The Rea Family
Our thoughts & prayers are with you in this hard time. We all know Hester was a great lady and one of a kind. She will be missed by so many but there are so many great memories to hold on to. You have our numbers Doc Rea if you need anything!!! So very sorry for your loss.
Deb & Neal Lloyd
Bonnie Steingruber says
What a wonderful tribute to a very classy lady. God bless her, she is with Teri & Wade. She will be missed by anyone who knew her.
Jerry and Susan Blohm says
Jack and family,
Hester was such a wonderful caring person. One time we sent our daughter to get medication for a sick horse, it wasn’t to long after she had lost her best friend. Hester gave her the medicine then told her the horse could wait, that she looked like somebody that needed to take a load off her mind, and had her sit down and tell her what was wrong. They exchanged sad stories and hugs, I got a little more walking done, and my daughter came home a little more peaceful. We will all miss her dearly.
susan swanberg says
Dear Jack, I am so sorry to learn of Hesters departure but she will have some great horses to ride!! Take care.
Vickie Haugland Baumgartner says
Rea Family,
Shocked at reading of Hester’s passing today in this message. I can’t hardly realize this world without Jack and her together working on a horse or something to do with the horse world. Such a wonderful family. Hester will be missed greatly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Vickie
Shirlee Wirth says
Doc, I am so sorry to hear of Hester’s passing. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Hester will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.
The Denler family says
Buck, Jeri Lynn, Silas, Rowen and Family, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom Buck. I did not know her but knowing you all she had to be an amazing person. Please know we are all thinking of you during this difficult time.
The Denlers
Nicole Welker says
Dr. Rea and Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of
Hester. Her legacy and spirit will live on forever
through the countless lives she has touched.
Mike and Nicole Welker & Family
Lois Hill says
so sorry that the her family and the horse family around the country lost such a dynamic woman. What a great story about a wonderful lady–well written, nothing else needed. Payers for the family.
Katy Wessel says
I enjoyed chatting with her at their open horse shows and spent time with her looking through all the old horse show photos one day! Great memories of a Great Horsewoman! May she rest in Peace and fly through the beautiful fields of Heaven on the bareback of one of her many mighty Quarter Horses there!
Doug Kirk says
Dear Jack,
Our condolences to you and your family. Great memories of you and Hester when we all lived in Three Forks. Take care and God Bless you and your family.
warren armstrong says
Doc Rae
Just heard of your Loved one passing..I send Prayers and sympathy in your time of sorrow…God Bless
Elois Myers Johnson says
I was raised in Three Forks and the Rae family was part of my life for many, many years, both at church and at school. She was a lovely, caring woman. Her husband and family were her life and I enjoyed running into her and Doc Rae after they moved here to Helena. I’ll miss seeing her out and about. I feel privileged to have known her. Will be keeping Doc, Buck and the rest of the family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Arlene Haugland says
I was shocked to here of Hester’s passing, had seen you both a few weeks ago at the sale in Three Forks, she will be missed, Take care, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Wes and Teresa Brewer says
Doc Rea and Family;
We are so sorry for your loss. Hester was a wonderful lady, with great stories and always a helpful spirit. She will be very missed. We have you in our thoughts and prayers for peace during this difficult time.
Don and Betty Rehm says
Dear Jack,Buck and the rest of the family.
We were so shocked to hear of Hester’ s passing. You guys have been our dearest friends since our Three Forks days over 50years ago. We have shared so much together and know that we are here for you now. Please let us know when you might have a memorial service as we will do our best to be there. Our love and sympathy to all of you. Don and Betty
Vicki Sullivan says
Dear Doc Rea and family,
Condolences to you and your family. Sorry to learn of Hester’s passing and the loss of such a wonderful woman. I have fond memories of Hester and her humor. You and your family are in my prayers. Vicki Sullivan
Martha and Rick Schwabel says
Not much I could add to all that’s been said. Hester will be sorely missed by a lot of people. We’re offering ((((Hugs)))) to Jack, Buck and family.
Don and Chris Hettinger says
Jack, Buck and family
Add our greetings of celebration for Hester’s life, and our condolences to the many listed. Hester was one of a kind – a great woman. May the Lord bless you and keep you all
Barbara (Heath) Estinson says
Doc, Buck and family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss of Hester. I remember her fondly as strong and friendly. Sorry too that you have lost Teri and Wade. Your family was an important part of our years in Three Forks.
Barb
David and Terrianaya says
Doc Rea and family
David and I send our thoughts and prayers to you. We are so grateful to have had the chance to meet such a special woman. She was so full of life! She will be missed dearly.
David & Terri
Cherie Scown Clabaugh, Lakewood,Co. says
So sorry to learn of Hester’s passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Hester, Edith Gaines and I were all childhood friends many years ago. Allen Griffin told me about Hester last night. Cherie Scown Clabaugh
Cate (Allaire) Dolbinski says
This was the first I’d heard of Hester’s passing. My condolences to husband Jack and the rest of the family. So many fond memories of Hester and family on the horse show “trai!” The obituary was spot on regarding Hester and her personality! — Great, strong woman, indeed. Teri (RIP) I knew the best, as she was just a year younger than I, and we competed in the same classes, particularly trail, where she was always extremely competitive. Teri was of the sweetest girls I have ever known, and we lost her far too soon. I think I was living in Japan when I’d heard that horrible news. Wade (RIP) was always such an exemplary big brother to Teri and Buck. Buck, quite a bit younger than I, I recall always had a rope in hand, on or off his horse!! To the remaining Rea family, I send you my warmest regards. Peace be with you.