Strother, Esther Marie Thomas

Esther Marie Thomas Strother, 80, of Anamosa, formerly of rural Martelle/Mount Vernon, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, after a long battle with Alzheimer's dementia. A casual gathering of family and friends for a Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Christian Fellowship, Highways 1 and 151, Fairview, on Saturday, Jan. 7, from noon to 2 p.m.

Esther was born Aug. 8, 1931, in Eldon, Iowa, to Homer Leroy Thomas and Ethel Mary Callier Thomas. After graduation from Eldon High School, Esther worked as a bookkeeper in McGregor's Furniture Store in Ottumwa, Iowa, where she met Dale Hall Strother. They married on Sept. 17, 1949, and had five children, Jane (Robert) Beck of Cedar Rapids, Judy (Gary) Petersen of Anamosa, Jon (Bev) Strother of Mount Vernon, Jack of Nampa, Idaho, and Jim (Lana) of Ely.

Esther is survived by her five children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandsons, and sisters, Margaret Blanchard of Wilton, and Maryon Sparks of Schuyler, Va.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Lloyd, Homer E., Charles and Gary; sisters, Edwina and Mary; and her husband of 61 years, Dale.

Esther and Dale moved to Linn County in 1955 and farmed until retirement. Esther was very active in the Republican Party's political affairs and enjoyed working closely with and for Senator Jepsen and Senator Grassley. She was also involved with Farm Bureau Women and was an active and longtime member of Martelle Christian Church, then continued worshipping at Grace Christian Fellowship in Fairview. Esther was assured in her faith in God and strove diligently to instill that faith in others. She particularly enjoyed her gardens, birds, family dinners, family vacations and absolutely found delight in her grandchildren.

Esther would want all citizens of this great country, no matter what party affiliation to learn of all elections and exercise your right to vote. She always hoped and prayed our leaders made righteous decisions.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers or plants, memorials are made to Anamosa Area Ambulance Service.