Margaret Roxadean Bestul (1933 – 2024)

Margaret Roxadean Bestul, better known as “Roxie,” of Fields Landing, California, passed away in the comfort of her home at age 91 on September 10, 2024. She was born on April 9, 1933, in Percy, Illinois, to William and Georgia Butcher.
During her early years, her family moved frequently in search of better opportunities. Growing up during the Great Depression, she often shared memories of the hardships her family endured, including standing in line to obtain rations of food. The family lived in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado before settling in Korbel, California. She deeply missed her mother’s large family when they left Texas and as an adult, she valued stability and made a conscious decision to settle permanently in one location, resolving never to move again.
Roxie married her high school sweetheart, Don Shepherd, with whom she had two children, Jerry, and Donna (Shepherd). Roxie also carried a third child that miscarried just before full term. Several years later she married the love of her life, Leslie Bestul and gained another son, Leslie Bestul, Jr. Roxie and Les subsequently had two additional daughters, Cheryl, and Dawn and together they formed a blended family of five children, the oldest and youngest, being 17 years apart.
A resolute homemaker for much of her life, Roxie had a passion for sewing, crafting, and cooking. Over the years, she crafted numerous children’s garments and often spent late nights sewing prom dresses or special outfits for loved ones. She also enjoyed crocheting and made each new addition to the family a treasured and cherished baby blanket. Family time was precious to her - weekends were often spent swimming at the river, camping or searching for agates at Patrick’s Point beach.
A pivotal moment in her life was when she chose to care for her son, Jerry, following a brain injury he suffered at the age of thirty-two. Initially placed in a nursing home and prescribed heavy medication, she opted to bring him home and reduce his medication. This endeavor presented challenges, including episodes of anger and aggression. During a period when Donna and Jerry’s father assumed caregiving responsibilities, she worked at ETI in Fields Landing, where she established enduring friendships before retiring. After Donna and Jerry’s father tragically died in a car accident, Jerry returned to live with her, residing in an apartment behind the main house under her supervision. Jerry passed away from a heart attack seven months before her own passing.
Roxie was preceded in death by her third child, baby Shepherd, deceased at birth; sister, Betty Spinas; father, William Butcher; mother, Georgia Larsen; two brothers, William Butcher Jr., and Jack Butcher; husband of 54 years, Leslie Bestul Sr.; and son, Jerry Shepherd.
She is survived by her daughters, Donna Adams (Eddie), Cheryl Niles (Mark), Dawn Kasper (Mike) and son Leslie Bestul Jr. (Sheri) along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
We acknowledge Dr. Dittmer for providing home visits and essential medical care when our mother declined to see a physician. Her home care services were significant to our family, alongside the assistance from the Hospice care team. The family extends our heartfelt appreciation to daughter Dawn Kasper for her dedicated caregiving during the final years of our mother’s life, and to great-granddaughter Anaiya for providing assistance when constant attention was necessary.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on March 9, 2025, from 2:00-4:30 p.m. at the Hydesville Community Church. A reception will follow the service, providing an opportunity for fellowship accompanied by food and refreshments.

CONTACT: Cheryl Niles
caamniles@gmail.com