Esta Marietta Helton, 88, Marshfield, Mo., formerly of Bethany, Mo., went to her everlasting home on November 27, 2023.
Esta was born March 16, 1935 in Davis City, Iowa to Maynard and Beatrice (Willis) Hill. She graduated from the Lamoni, Iowa High School in 1953.
On December 17, 1952 she was joined in marriage to Lester Carl Helton in Princeton, Mo., and to their ranks were added five children: Keren, Karl, Denise, Janine, and Jon.
During a revival at Breckinridge Baptist Church, she accepted Jesus as her Lord & Savior.
Esta was known for her hard work, dedication, and care for others even when difficult; being the “hands and feet of Christ” to countless neighbors, acquaintances and strangers throughout her lifetime. Her children often noticed her looking out for folks who seemed lonely or uncomfortable, forming beautiful and lifelong friendships as a result.
During her later years, she enjoyed gardening, quilting, music, puzzles, attending Blue Ridge Church, visiting with family and friends, and the antics of the local llamas by her house. A particularly fond pastime was playing cards and board games with her grandchildren, frequently demolishing them in gin rummy, yahtzee and Uno.
Esta was preceded in death by her stillborn daughter, Janine, parents Maynard and Beatrice, husband Lester, granddaughter Angela, son Karl, sister Beth Lane, and daughter Denise.
She is survived by brother, Willis Hill, Cullman, Ala.; sister Joan Myer, Pelham, Ala.; daughter Keren (Howard) Godwin, Marshfield, son Jon (Taryn), Gilman City; son-in-law Russell Taylor, Fair Grove; numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren Kerensa, Jessalyn, Allison, Josie, Mattea, Erik, Chris, Dakota, Blake, and eight great grandchildren.
While impossible to condense such a full life into a few paragraphs, we hold dear the countless memories of her, and the whispering hope of seeing her again on Heaven’s bright shore. Graveside services were December 1, 2023 at Freedom Cemetery, Cainsville. Services under the direction of Bethany Memorial Chapel. Tributes may be left at www.bethanymemorialchapel.com