Obituary for Esther M. Smith
Esther M. Smith, 94, died Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at The Ranch House in Garden City, Kansas. She was born March 11, 1927 in Collyer, Kansas the daughter of Adolph & Margaret (Braun) Leiker.
As a young child, Esther moved with her family to Garden City where she attended Garden City and Holcomb schools. She graduated from Holcomb High in 1945 and was Valedictorian of her class. On August 5, 1947, she married Philip C. “Phil” Smith in Garden City. A homemaker, Esther later worked for 18 years at Coast to Coast. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and volunteered at St. Mary Catholic School. Esther enjoyed painting, crossword puzzles, crocheting, playing cards, playing Word Chums, and she loved to watch EWTN.
Survivors include three daughters Cheryl Plutt of Garden City, Kansas, Marilyn & husband Al Hutchens of Aztec, New Mexico, and Stephanie & husband Paul Bogner of Garden City, Kansas; two brothers Art Leiker of Garden City, Kansas and Jim Leiker of Lafeyette, Louisiana; five Grandchildren Stacy & husband Andy McLean, Robert & wife Katie Plutt, Brie Hutchens, Kimberly & husband Ryan Harp, & Jeffery Bogner; and three Great-Grandchildren Maxx Plutt, Emma Hutchens, & Avery Hutchens. Esther is preceded in death by her husband Phil who died on March 25, 1996. She is also preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law Bob Plutt; a brother Otto Leiker; and a Grandson Corey Hutchens.
A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 also at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Jacob Schneider as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family suggests memorials given to St. Mary School Endowment Fund in care of the funeral home.
As a young child, Esther moved with her family to Garden City where she attended Garden City and Holcomb schools. She graduated from Holcomb High in 1945 and was Valedictorian of her class. On August 5, 1947, she married Philip C. “Phil” Smith in Garden City. A homemaker, Esther later worked for 18 years at Coast to Coast. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and volunteered at St. Mary Catholic School. Esther enjoyed painting, crossword puzzles, crocheting, playing cards, playing Word Chums, and she loved to watch EWTN.
Survivors include three daughters Cheryl Plutt of Garden City, Kansas, Marilyn & husband Al Hutchens of Aztec, New Mexico, and Stephanie & husband Paul Bogner of Garden City, Kansas; two brothers Art Leiker of Garden City, Kansas and Jim Leiker of Lafeyette, Louisiana; five Grandchildren Stacy & husband Andy McLean, Robert & wife Katie Plutt, Brie Hutchens, Kimberly & husband Ryan Harp, & Jeffery Bogner; and three Great-Grandchildren Maxx Plutt, Emma Hutchens, & Avery Hutchens. Esther is preceded in death by her husband Phil who died on March 25, 1996. She is also preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law Bob Plutt; a brother Otto Leiker; and a Grandson Corey Hutchens.
A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Garden City. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 5, 2021 also at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Jacob Schneider as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday at Garnand Funeral Home in Garden City. The family suggests memorials given to St. Mary School Endowment Fund in care of the funeral home.