Esther Lorene Bresee was born the daughter of Otto Sterling Johnston and Alice Marie Bailey Johnston on April 9, 1944 in Wilson County, Kansas and departed this life April 4, 2011 in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 66 years.
She was united in marriage November 12, 1957 in Iola, Kansas to Gene Bresee.
She is survived by her husband, Gene Bresee of the home at Thayer, Missouri; four children, Edward Eugene Bresee of West Plains, Missouri, Charlene Herring and husband, Frank of West Plains, Missouri, James Brian Bresee and wife, Gina of West Plains, Missouri and Janet Brewer of Alton, Missouri; twelve grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; one brother, Harold Johnston and wife, Joan of Arkansas; two sisters, Ruby Bogges and husband, Carol of Oklahoma and Shirley Remy of Springfield, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Alice Johnston and two brothers, Howard and Lester Johnston.
Esther was employed at Shady Oaks Health Care in Thayer, Missouri for 7 ½ years as housekeeper. She was a dedicated homemaker and deeply devoted to her family. She will be remembered by each as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and sister.
She will truly be missed by her family, her many friends and all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer, Missouri with Pastor Donnie Finley officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 6th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made in her memory to the American Cancer Society.
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