Shirle Ayers Volunteer Appreciation Award

Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties has awarded Mr. and Mrs. Sidney and Jean Evans of Ennis the annual Shirle Ayers Volunteer Appreciation Award. This award recognizes outstanding volunteer service and is given in memory of Mr. Shirle Ayers, a faithful volunteer for many years.

Mr. and Mrs. Evans, who recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary, have volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels together for one year. Sid first learned of volunteer opportunities with Meals-on-Wheels through friends, Gus and Katherine Jones of Ennis, and has volunteered for several years. After meeting and marrying his lovely bride, Jean, he asked her if she would be interested in volunteering to deliver meals with him. Mr. Evans said, “She took to it like a duck takes to water!” Mrs. Evans added, “We enjoy it!  We enjoy our Meals-on-Wheels. You get close to these people. We’ve become really good friends.”

Mr. and Mrs. Evans’ favorite part of delivering meals, besides just having fun, is talking with the clients.  They also enjoy being able to help. Sid recalled a time when one client who had trouble with his hands was having a hard time writing his bills and stuffing the envelopes. Jean was able to help him and the client was very grateful for the assistance. Ellis County Volunteer Coordinator, Shanna Dunn, said, “Just taking a little time out of your day to help out a fellow human being can make all the difference in the world to Meals-on-Wheels clients.  Mr. and Mrs. Evans are a joy! They are so dependable and always willing to help. I always know I can count on Mr. and Mrs. Evans.”

Mr. Evans was born in Ennis and has lived there for the last 40 years. Now retired, he drove a truck for Jeld-Wen for 18 years. Mrs. Evans was born in Littlefield, Texas and lived in Palmer for 38 years. For 13 years she worked at Palmer Christian Child Care & Day School, cooking meals and teaching in the nursery. Even though she is somewhat new to Ennis, only living there since 2007, Mrs. Evans said that Ennis is a friendly town and she has already been able to meet a lot of people.

Between Jean’s three daughters, and Sid’s two sons and one daughter, together they have thirteen grandchildren. They figure they will have a few great-grandchildren coming their way sometime in the future. Sid and Jean attend Baylor Baptist Church in Ennis and First Baptist Church of Palmer, dividing their time between the two churches. Sid is a member of the Lake Tawakoni Sportsman Association and they both like to hunt, fish, and travel.

Without the ongoing dedication of volunteers like Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties would not be able to impact the lives of the elderly, disabled, and their families. Thank you, Sid and Jean, for the invaluable service you provide to our homebound clients.

David Kester of Rio Vista is the Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson & Ellis Counties Shirle Ayers Volunteer Appreciation award winner for 2008.  Mr. Kester has volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels in Rio Vista for 3 years, and helps out additional times during the week. Mr. Kester is thought of fondly by the clients because of his cheerful, giving spirit and helpful ways. He has built relationships with those on his route, and many of the clients ask about him on his days off. 

Mr. Kester has lived in Rio Vista for 33 years and is loved by everyone. In fact, he never meets a stranger! He loves to tell funny stories to those around that will listen. For example, the time he boxed a gorilla for 5 minutes for $5.00 in his younger years! 

Mr. Kester also served his country proudly. He was an  Army paratrooper for 4 years, before he went to work for General Motors, retiriring after 31 years. Besides enjoying delivering Meals-on-Wheels, he enjoys reading, “beating his wife to the punch” on answers to Jeopardy trivia, and playing golf. Mr. Kester is married to Emma Kester. They have 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and enjoys spending time with all of them.

Without the spirit and dedication of volunteers like Mr. Kester, Meals-on-Wheels could not continue serving the “children of yesterday,” and the clients would not be able to receive a well-balanced meal every day. Meals-on-Wheels volunteers are the lifeline to what we do.  Thank you, Mr. Kester, for your service to Meals-on-Wheels!