Patryce Ballew Lester Obituary

Patryce Ballew Lester, 71, of Audubon, IA, passed away peacefully at home on December 8, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

Patty was born on February 4, 1954, to the late Robert (Bob) and Marguerite (Margie) Ballew, in Kirksville, MO. She was a graduate of Abraham Lincoln high school. She then went to college to become a dental assistant, graduating in 1973. She married Gary Lester in 1975 and was blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Kelly.

Patty dedicated 44 years of her life to dental assisting before retiring in 2016. She then moved to Audubon to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. She began working for her older daughter, Jen, helping her business grow and flourish for the next several years.

Patty was a consistent presence in the lives of her daughters and grandchildren, going to every sporting event and school concert. Her family was the center of her life. Patty made many new cherished friends while living in Audubon and enjoyed being a social butterfly, while always maintaining relationships and remaining loyal to all of her friends in Council Bluffs. Aside from her family, her many friends were her joy in life. Patty’s friendship, warmth and spirit of fun will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Patty was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Ballew, in 2004. She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (James) Miller of Audubon, and Kelly Lester and fiancé, Tony Fastert, of Audubon; grandchildren Allyson, Sage, Kinsley and Emory; sisters, Kay (Keith) Spicer, of Fountain Hills, AZ, and Robyn (Darryl) Uribe, of Lincoln, NE, nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life service in Council Bluffs at a later date.

Cutler O’Neill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.