Esther Vernon

(From Brenner Mortuary)

Esther Lucille Vernon, 96, of Frontenac, Kansas, died April 1, 2017, at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kansas. 

Esther was born March 10, 1921, in Bladen, Nebraska, to William Howard and Ruby Bertha (Goble) Cramer. The oldest of nine children, she helped raise her five sisters and three brothers after their mother died at age 39. Esther went to grade and high school in Bladen, Nebraska, but transferred to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where she graduated in 1939. After graduation, Esther became a teacher and taught in a one-room school in the Sand Hills of Nebraska. While teaching, she also lived and worked on a ranch near Valentine, Nebraska. It was there that she pursued her passion for riding horses and ice skating. 

Esther was united in marriage to Clyde Alden Vernon in Red Cloud on March 10, 1946. They made their home on a dairy farm south and east of Oberlin, Kansas. After selling the farm in 1962, they became partners with Keith Nicodemus in the Western Auto Store in Oberlin. In 1972, Clyde and Esther bought out Keith's half of the store, remodeled the building, and expanded the appliance business. Esther enjoyed selling housewares and toys at the store. She retired in 1981 to become a housewife. In October 2001, Clyde and Esther moved to Frontenac to be near their daughter. Esther was a member of the Frontenac United Methodist Church, which was an important part of her life. She was always smiling, enjoyed cooking and baking, collected Barbie dolls and loved being at home with her dog, Daisy. 

She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Lynn Turley, of Pittsburg, sisters Mildred Lippelmann of Oberlin, Ruby Joan Niles of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Norma Swanstrom (Don) of Okmulgee, Okla., and many nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Esther was preceded in death by her husband Clyde, her parents Howard and Ruby Cramer, and siblings Marybelle Jean Stokes, Donna Faye Rose, William Blosser, Vernon and Glen Cramer. 

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Frontenac United Methodist Church, 102 S. Cayuga St, Frontenac, Kansas, with Pastor Annie Ricker officiating. A family burial will take place at a later date in the Oberlin City Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to the Frontenac United Methodist Church and/or SEK Humane Society. These may be left at or mailed to the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, KS 66762. Online condolences may be left at www.brennermortuary.com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg.