Esther Wilton

Esther Irene (Wortman) Wilton died on May 19, 2023, at her home in Blue Hill Azria Health Care in Blue Hill, Nebraska.

Esther was born on Sept. 29, 1926, to Emerson and Marie (John-

son) Wortman in rural Adams County. She grew up with her two siblings in Adams County. She attended rural Adams County grade school, seventh and eighth grade at Zion Lutheran School, Hastings, Nebraska, first three years of high school at Hastings High, and graduated high school in 1944 from Superior High School in Superior, Nebraska. After graduation she worked three years at Hested’s Dime Store in Superior. She was baptized Oct 26, 1926, at her parents’ home and was confirmed in 1940 at Zion Lutheran Church of Hastings.

She married Ralph Wilton on Sept. 11, 1949, at Superior. To this union one daughter and five sons were born: an infant daughter, Richard “Rich”, Larry, Duane, David, and Alan. She raised their family on a farm in rural Nuckolls County, west of Superior. After moving to Superior in 1989, she worked at Price Funeral Home for 30 years. She also cleaned houses and her church for 38 years and volunteered at the Nifty Thrifty, a local thrift store that raised money for the Broadstone Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

She was a member of Centennial Lutheran Church in Superior. She served 62 years in the Lutheran Woman’s Mission League (LWML), helping with church, community, and funeral meals and anything else that was done. She lived in Superior for 31 years, moving to The Kensington in 2020 after the death of her youngest son.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph in 2010; infant daughter born into the arms of Jesus in 1950; sons, Duane Rex in 1989, and Alan Lee in 2020; and one grandson, Brandy Wilton in 2004.

Leaving to cherish her memory are: Rich and Donna Wilton of Hastings, Larry Wilton and David Wilton of Grand Island; granddaughters. Brooklyn (Dan) Fullerton of Lincoln, Nebraska, April Musgrave of Nelson, Jonathon Wilton formerly of Grand Island, Laura Wilton, formerly of Grand Island, and Joshua Wilton, formerly of Grand Island; great grandchildren, Nick Fullerton of Lincoln, Nebraska, Alaina (Laini) Fullerton of Lincoln, Nebraska, and fiancé Cole Gocke of Syracuse, Nebraska, Kasen Musgrave of Nelson, and Kip Musgrave of Nelson; one sister, Delores (Dee) Fullerton of Hastings; and one brother, Leonard (Evelyn) Wortman of Fairbury; one step-granddaughter ,Julie Brown of Grand Island; one step great-granddaughter, McKayla Brown (Aaron Gonzalez) of Hastings; and two step great-great grandsons, Aaron T. Gonzalez and Alexander (Alex) Gonzalez both of Hastings; nieces and nephews, many other relatives and friends.

Her funeral will be held at 2.30 p.m. in Superior at the Centennial Lutheran Church LCMS today (Thursday) May 25, with Pastor Greg Schaffer officiating. Music was congregational hymns, “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art.” Stephanie Thayer, soloist, will sing “Amazing Grace” with Heather Dahl as accompanist.

Pallbearers arre Brooke Fullerton, April Musgrave, Daryl Fullerton, Kevin Fullerton, Gary Fullerton, Dan Fullerton and Shane Eckhardt.

Honorary pallbearers are Jonathon Wilton, Laura Wilton, Joshua Wilton, Nick Fullerton, Alaina Fullerton, Kasen Musgrave, Kip Musgrave, Jim Vinkenberg, Sharon Heikes, Julie Brown, McKayla Brown, Aaron Gonzelez, Alex Gonzelez, Bob Dixon and Jim Dixon.

Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, Superior, immediately following the service.

Visitation was Wednesday evening from 5 to 7 with family present at Price Funeral Home in Superior.

Memorials may be directed to Centennial Lutheran Church of Superior.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Kensington Assisted Living Home in Hastings and Azria Health of Blue Hill for their wonderful care they have given to our mom and grandma.

Condolences may be left at Price Funeral Home, Superior, NE

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior is in charge of the arrangements.