Esther Crain

Esther Laura Crain, 96, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born Sunday, March 23, 1913 in Nickerson, Kansas, the daughter of Flavius A. and Anna M. (Wood) Mundell. She departed this life at 6:50 a.m. Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the Payton Place in Blue Springs.

On December 19, 1936, Esther was united in marriage to Chester R. Crain in Coats, Kansas. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1998.

She was a 1934 K-State graduate. Following her graduation she became a teacher and taught until her marriage in 1936; she then became a homemaker. She was a member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. She enjoyed quilting, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and bird watching; she also collected cookbooks and cookie cutters.

Besides her parents and her husband she was preceded in death by 1 brother Merlin Mundell and 3 sisters Helen Mundell, Grace Mundell and Mildred Speiser.

She is survived by her son Russell and Timi Crain of Gardner, Kansas; her daughter, Donna & Ken Trollinger of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; 4 grandchildren, John (and Nolanda) Crain of Lane, Kansas, Susan (and Bret) Evans of Raymore, Missouri, Michael (and Amy) Trollinger of Shawnee, Kansas, and Patricia (and John) Summitt of Pleasant Hill; 9 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

She was a positive and upbeat person; friends were always welcome in her home. She was a loving mother and grandmother who especially loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, November 2, 2009. Pastor Carl Knapp, minister of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church officiated. The musical selections were rendered by Mrs. Mary Pat Meyers and Mrs. Gail Todd. Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Brendon Crain, John Crain, Nick Palmay, Bret Evans, Cody Summitt, Dalton Summitt, John Summitt, and Mike Trollinger.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice Advantage of Blue Springs and may be sent in care of the funeral home.