Esther Claxton

Esther May (Holland) Claxton

(1923-2020)

Esther May Claxton was born on October 30th 1923 in Zanesville, Ohio to Roxane McCurdy and Clyde Holland.  While she briefly lived in Oklahoma during her youth, most of her childhood was spent in Ohio on her grandparent’s farm near Wingett Run.  She grew up surrounded by the love of her mother, grandparents, aunts, and uncles and a menagerie of beloved cats, dogs, chickens, cows, and horses.  There wasn’t a time during her life she didn’t have at least one animal companion by her side.

Esther loved to learn in school.  While she was interested in all subjects, she particularly excelled in English.  During her primary school days, Esther went on to win at least two county spelling bees.  She graduated from Bethel High School in Marr, Ohio in 1942. After a short time at Ohio State University, Esther decided to serve her country.   On July 2, 1945 she joined the Navy as a Pharmacist Mate.  She went through Boot Camp at Hunter College in New York, and was stationed in South Carolina.  After being honorably discharged a year later, she decided to extend her service commitment for an additional year.  This time she was stationed in Corpus Christy, Texas.

After her naval service, Esther settled down and raised her two daughters, Amy and Margaret.  While they were growing up, she was very lovingly involved in their lives.  Her daughters remember what a wonderful Brownie Girl Scout leader she was.  Not only was the troop engaged in craft and community service activities, Esther believed it was essential the girls form a lifelong love for nature.  In the warmer months, through camping and local hikes, our troop explored the great northern woods of Michigan.  She was always very tolerant of the wildlife “pets” her family brought in: snakes, skunks, raccoons, turtles, birds and even a very brief stint with an injured baby black bear until experts could assume care.

Esther returned to school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to complete a court reporting certificate in 1967.  She was doing free-lance depositions when she was hired as the secretary to the district manager for the State of Michigan

(Department of Treasury).  After working there two or three years, she was hired as a court reporter for Oakland County, Michigan (Juvenile Division) where she remained until her retirement in February, 1985.

Esther found the love of her life, and on July 29th 1979, she married Byrl Claxton.  For 41 years until her death on April 22, 2020 their love endured through hardship and happiness.  They took an early retirement and spent the following 10 years travelling and exploring North America in their motor home.  In the mid-1990’s Esther and Byrl relocated to Olathe, Kansas to be close to their daughter Margaret.

It is difficult to sum up Esther’s life.  Before her memory started failing her, she was full of life and adventure.  Esther was upbeat and fun loving; she loved to entertain.  She spent her senior years square and ball room dancing and supporting Kansas City’s local theaters.   Esther remained active up until her stroke last fall.  Her lack of short-term memory wade heavily on her, and as a consequence, some of her zest for life slowly faded.  We believe that faded spark of life has been reignited, and Esther’s light shines bright once again.  May her spirit rest in peace in the eternal glory of God’s home.

Esther was well loved by her family. She is survived by her husband Byrl Claxton, and daughter Margaret Ann Bjelica (Paul), granddaughter, Angelina Bjelica, grandson, Joel Dugdale (Catherine), sister, Jane Gentry, niece, Shanna Kloberdanz, step grandsons, Richard Claxton (Tami), Brian Atkins (Tegan), Scott Claxton (LeAnne), and Matthew Claxton (Aimee), and many great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, daughter, Amy Elizabeth LaSalle, and stepsons Richard and Robert Claxton.