Ellen M. Esau Obituary (1929 - 2014)

Ellen M. Esau, 84 years of age, of Beatrice passed away at the Beatrice Good Samaritan Center Thursday night, March 27, 2014. She was born on September 15, 1929 in Beatrice to Henry and Anna (Claassen) Thimm, was a 1948 graduate of Beatrice High School, and lived in the Beatrice area most of her life. Ellen and Louie Esau were married on June 5, 1951 at the First Mennonite Church, Beatrice. She was an active member of the First Mennonite Church and had served as a Deacon for 6 years, taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School, served on the Hospitality Committee and was a Women's Mission Society member. She served as chairman of the After 5 Club of the Christian Women's Association and the Beatrice Day Care Board. She served as a 4-H leaders for many years. Ellen enjoyed quilting, gardening and baking. She especially enjoyed helping people and attending her grandchildren's activities. Survivors include her husband Louie Esau; children Sue Gerber and husband Lynn of Beatrice, Deb Horst and husband Dave of Columbiana, OH, Jean Moorefield and husband Bryan of Excelsior Springs, MO, and Elizabeth Friesen and husband Billy of Lincoln; 9 grandchildren Ryan and Anna Gerber, Matt and Mindi Gerber, Jenny and Craig Strasbaugh, Lindsay and Jason Dunsworth, Lance and Hanna Moorefield, Blaise and Rachel Cannon, and Bailey, Landon and Lexis Friesen; 7 great grandchildren; 3 sisters Hildegard Jantzen of Beatrice, Martie Hunsicker of Palmyra, PA, and Annie Schrag and husband Gordon of Moundridge, KS; sister in law Ruth Thimm of Beatrice; nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, March 31, 2014 at the First Mennonite Church, Beatrice with Pastor Brett Klingenberg officiating. Burial of her ashes will be held at 10:15 AM Monday at the Mennonite Cemetery, Beatrice. There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place, but a register book will be available Sunday from 1-7:00 at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice with the family greeting friends from 4-5:30. A memorial has been established to the MMennonite Central Committee with John and Zella Penner in charge. A family prayer service will be held at 10:45 AM Monday at the church. Sign Ellen's online guest book at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.