Esther Bethel

Esther Bethel

Grinnell

Esther Bethel, 92, of Grinnell, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, June 26, 2025, on her daughter's farm in rural Grinnell and under the care of UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice.

Esther's family will receive friends at the visitation held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Grinnell UCC Church. A reception will be held from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm in the Buckley Dining Room at the Mayflower Community in Grinnell. Memorial contributions may be made to Grinnell UCC Church, UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice and Grinnell Community Theater and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Esther's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband Charlie, son John (Richard), parents Fred and Josephine, sister Florence Maxwell (James), and brother Addison Jones (Marion). She is survived by her children: Chuck Bethel (Nancy), Anne Pederson (Eric), and Susie Bethel (Dianne); grandchildren: Amy Leinen (Michael), Chet Bethel (Melissa), Nick Bethel, Alexandra Brackins (Calvin), Christopher Pederson, Jordan Pederson, and Sam Pederson; and great-grandchildren: King, Nora, Jayceon, Maisie, and Dream - as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.