Hester LaCarda Rayala

Hester LaCarda Rayala entered into eternal life on the morning of May 1, 2026, just shy of her 95th birthday. Hester was the eldest of four children, born on June 19, 1931 in Mercer.

Hester was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; parents, Max and Wilda Organist; siblings, Nancy, Gene and Sharon; brother-in-law, Mike Rayala; sister-in-law, Therese Organist; nephew, Jim Organist; and step grandson Zeke Jonas.

Hester is survived by her children, Chuck (Jeanine), Brian (Rene), Jackie (Mike Michaelis), Gene (friend Darlene Jaeger) and Roger. Hester is also survived by her grandchildren, Ty (Becky), Travis (Katie), Chelsey, Shelby (Jordan Ringsmuth), and Monica (Nick Guralski). She is further survived by her step grandchildren, Brittany (Matt Schultz), Zach Jonas (Kandace), Lyndsey (Cole Schuenemann) and Natalie (Matt Ritchie). Hester was also blessed with 16 great grandchildren and more on the way!

Hester was a devoted caregiver who loved friends and family. Her sense of humor was contagious, especially when she was with her good friend of 65 years, Marlene Laporte. Screen writers could have scripted a sitcom with the antics of those two women. Hester also developed a special relationship with Sarah Krembs, who became a frequent visitor of Hester. 

Whenever company would stop by, Hester was always eager to pour a cup of coffee and set out whatever snacks she had, oftentimes preparing an entire meal!

In her later years, Hester resided at the Friendly Village Nursing and Rehab facility in Rhinelander. After Hester’s younger siblings had passed, Hester would comment, “I think God forgot about me.” Nothing could be further from the truth. During her final hours on earth, her legacy shined as the staff of Friendly Village trickled into her room to say goodbye. Many stories were shared of how Hester touched the lives of so many of them. Some of these people had many years of Health Care experience while others were just starting their careers. We were amazed how a woman of almost 95 years had touched the lives of so many people and how she will be remembered.

God certainly didn’t forget her, he just knew that she had more to give to others.

The Rayala Family would like to extend a very profound thank you to the entire staff at the Friendly Village Nursing and Rehab facility for the care and love that they provided to Hester.

Services will be held at Bolger Funeral Home-Woodruff Chapel on Saturday, June 6. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial Service at 11 a.m. A graveside service will be held at Pine Lawn in Manitowish Waters after the service and lunch will follow at the Rustic Roadhaus. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that any donations be directed to either the Frank B. Koller Library in Manitowish Waters or the Manitowish Waters Fire Company. www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.