Funeral services for Johnnie Ester Hill-Hestla, of Hanceville will be 3 p.m. Sunday, September 29th at Hopewell Baptist Church. Burial will follow the service at Hopewell Cemetery. Rev. Junior Wolfe and Rev. Trueman Davis will be officiating services. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at Hopewell Baptist Church.
Mrs. Hestla, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on September 10, 1937, in Cullman County, Alabama; she was a lifelong member of Hopewell Baptist Church, where her faith and love for Jesus were central to everything she did. Her commitment to her church and her community was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Johnnie was also an avid bowler who cherished her time on the lanes with friends, always striving for that perfect game. But it was in her kitchen where she truly shone. Known by many as the world’s best cook—something she was well aware of—she perfected Southern comfort food, and her biscuits were legendary. She had a sweet tooth like no other, and if it had sugar in it, she was all in.
A true Alabama football fan, she cheered for her Crimson Tide with unbridled passion. Outside of football, Johnnie was a self-proclaimed “clean freak,” and her home was always spotless, reflecting the care and pride she took in her surroundings.
Above all, she adored her family. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she showered them with love, wisdom, and the best home-cooked meals anyone could ask for.
Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Bobby Gene Hestla; children, Mike Hestla (Karen), Mitchell Wayne Hestla, Katherine Hestla-Waldrop, and Mark Alan Hestla; grandchildren, Taylor Waldrop-Ponder (Eric), Tommy Kyle Waldrop (Leah), Chelsie Hestla-Aaron (Dakota) and Lindsay Brooke Hestla; 6 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jane Hestla-Tolbert; and a host of many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Though her absence leaves a hole in our hearts, her legacy of love and laughter will live on forever.
Mrs. Hestla was preceded in death by her parents, Marion A. & Johnnie Collier-Hill; and 7 siblings.
Serving as pallbearers in her honor will be Mitchell Hestla, Mark Hestla, Mike Hestla, Blake Toblert, Jeff Toblert, and Kyle Waldrop.
Hanceville Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hestla Family.
