Esther Willems, 94, of Hutchinson, died Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. She was born July 18, 1923, in rural Inman, the daughter of Jacob and Marie (Toews) Loepp. Esther attended Welcome and West Eagle Grade School, rural Inman, and graduated from Buhler High School. After high school, she started her working career at Buhler State Bank, where she worked for two years. A longtime resident of Hutchinson, Esther retired from First National Bank in 1985, after 33 years of employment. Her love for sports gave her many opportunities to travel and support her favorite teams. Esther enjoyed sharing in her children's and grandchildren's activities and accomplishments, including academics, music, and sports. She was a member of First Mennonite Church since 1962.

On April 15, 1949, she married Pete Willems in Inman. He died November 20, 2002.

Esther is survived by: son, Ray and wife Arlene; daughter, Linda Barone; daughter-in-law, Judy Willems, all of Hutchinson; sisters, Leona Koslowsky of Hillsboro, Helen Faul of Minneapolis, MN, Velma Schroeder of Inman; four grandchildren, Angie Koehn (Craig) of Montezuma, Stefanie Willems, Todd Willems (Staci), Bret Willems (Danyel), all of Hutchinson; two great-grandsons, A.J. Koehn of Montezuma, Beau Willems of Hutchinson; two step grandsons, Shayne Barone and Shawn Barone (Lois), all of Hutchinson; 11 step great-grandchildren; and 14 step great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; son, Gordon; son-in-law, Ron Barone; brothers, Henry, David, Ruben, and Menno Loepp; and sisters, Marie Draemel, Martha White, and Ann Plett.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018, at First Mennonite Church, 52 Rambler Road, Hutchinson, with Pastors Tonya Ramer Wenger and Nathan Koontz officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorials may be made to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County or Boy Scout Troop 306, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.