Esther R. Smith, 98, died Aug. 29, 2015, at her home. She was born Jan. 11, 1917, at Charleston, to John and Nettie Mae (Smith) Chitwood.

Esther lived in Hutchinson most of her life. She loved her flowers and gardening and was a housewife. She was a member of Bethany Church of the Nazarene and was the last living charter member of the church. On June 27, 1937, she married Arthur E. Smith at Thee Lord's Chapel, which is where Bethany Church of the Nazarene is now located. He died April 14, 1999.

Survivors include: daughters, Patricia Trent of Hutchinson and Phylliss Leffel (Richard) of Rogers, Ark.; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Arthur; son, Richard D. Smith; and 10 brothers and sisters.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at Bethany Church of the Nazarene, 408 N. Kent Road, Hutchinson, with Pastor Jay Bessmer officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Memorials may be made to Bethany Church of the Nazarene, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson KS 67501.