Esther Beecham

ESTHER LOUISE BEECHAM, 94, of Holton, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 27, 2017 after a short stay in the Onaga Community Hospital. Now she begins her eternal life with her beloved Lord and Savior. Esther will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11AM, on Thursday, November 30, at Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210. Graveside service will follow at 3PM at the Fairview Cemetery in Fulton, KS.

Esther was born April 26, 1923 to Willie and Opal (Wilkins) Sell on a farm near Fulton, Kansas. Esther grew up on the farm near Fulton, Kansas and attended a one room school house.  Esther was proud of her first jobs, making 50 cents per week, taking care of the sick.  She received her LPN in Caldwell, Kansas and practiced nursing for 53 years.  Esther married Harry (Bud) Beecham Jr. on November 1, 1952. After marriage Esther and Bud lived on a dairy farm near Fulton, Kansas. Their marriage thrived for 30 years until the passing of Harry.  They were blessed with 11 children.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Bud and two son’s Harry Elbert and Barney Allen.  Survivors include six sons Steven, Roger, David, Bradley, Preston and Wilbur. Surviving daughters are Carole Beldsoe, Naomi Newsom and Gretchen Keeton.  Grandchildren:  Julie (Hand) Garcia, Jeffrey Hand, Kevin Hand, Dale Beecham, Charles Beecham, Andy Beecham, Carey Beecham, Vanessa (Newsom) Robinson, Donnie Newsom, Natasha Newsom, Monica (Denman) McNaughton, Anna (Denman) Farmer, Levi Beecham, Willie Beecham, Amanda Gleason, Crystal Beecham, Marcia Beecham, Sarah (Beecham) Ruwwe, Brian Beecham, April (Beecham) Pipes, Leah (Biesecker) Marney, Rance Biescker, Shawn Beecham, David Rauch, Eric Beecham, Michael Beecham, Ferdie Beecham and 55 great-grandchildren.

Esther loved sending and receiving letters and grandchildren will remember the Birthday Cards with a one dollar check enclosed.  Esther was a person of faith and loved her fellowship with God.  She was extremely proud of her family and extended family. A quote from her son Wilbur: “Peaceful and merciful Lord in heaven above protect my Mother.  She has passed into your golden light. We love honor and leave her unto you.  Mother I love you until we meet again.”