Claypool, Esther Alice

Esther Alice Claypool, 93, formerly of Marion, passed peacefully Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Northbrook Manor Care Center, Cedar Rapids. Services: 11 a.m. Monday, March 15, at English River Church of the Brethren, South English, by the Rev. Diana Lovett. The family will greet friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Marion, and one hour before the service on Monday at the church. Burial: church cemetery, South English.

 Survivors include her children, Bob (Arlene) Claypool of Marion, Carolyn (Marland) McCleary of Marion, Donna L. (Bob) Wheeler of Hiawatha, Patricia L. (Gary) Anderson of Marion and Phyllis Stalkfleet of Marion; one brother, Joe (Opal) Grove of South English; three sisters, Helen Jennings of Iowa City, Catherine (Ray) Reiland of Iowa City and Mary Hayes of Kinross. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, Dianne, Gary, Debbie, Cheryl, Kenny, Dennis, Karen, Christi, Jocelyn, Justin, Jillian, Joshua, Daniel and Michael; two stepgrandchildren, Merry and Sam; 24 great-grandchildren and one due in April; two stepgreat-grandchildren; and many other loving family members.

 Esther was born Feb. 21, 1917, in South English, the daughter of John M. and Alice (Noffsinger) Grove. She married John Lester Claypool on Dec. 7, 1935. John Lester died Feb. 5, 1983. Esther worked at Rockwell Collins for many years. She was a former member of Marion Christian Church, where she was active in CWF. Esther loved traveling and enjoyed gardening, sewing, and playing cards.

Her greatest love of all was her family and she will greatly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

 A memorial fund has been established in Esther's name.

 Please sign the online guest book for Esther at under obituaries.