Esther Mae (Smith) Jantz

Esther Mae (Smith) Jantz, 89, died Friday (Jan. 12, 2007) at Schowalter Villa in Hesston.

She was born on Jan. 7, 1918, in Newton to Homer M. and Lura E. (Haines) Smith. She grew up in the rural Hesston area and graduated from Newton High School.

She worked for several years at Hesston State Bank prior to her marriage to Winston Jantz. Esther and Winston were married on Feb. 23, 1941. In the early years of their marriage, Esther traveled with Winston as he served in the military. Later, they bought a farm south of Hesston and happily settled down there for the remainder of their married life together. She was a devoted and hard-working wife who shared in the work on the farm.

They were blessed with two sons, Jerry and Larry, and Esther was very dedicated to her family.

Winston passed away in July 1997, and Esther remained on the farm they had called home, staying nearly 10 years, until her health no longer allowed her to do so.

She was a lifelong member of Hesston United Methodist Church, faithfully serving in various positions. She also was a member of the United Methodist Women's group.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; four brothers, Harold, Howard, Roy and Orville; and one sister, Ileen Fosberg.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry and wife Melinda Jantz of Halstead, and Larry and wife Sharon Jantz of Littleton, Colo.; and five grandchildren, Tricia, Joshua, Jennifer, Timothy and Michael.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home in Hesston.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Hesston United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tom Schneider officiating. Burial will be at the Hesston Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hesston United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.