Esther Lurakasson Lietz

Esther Lura Lietz, 107, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at Lexington Park Nursing Care, Topeka, KS. She had been a resident there 11 years.

Esther was born Dec. 17, 1904 in Eskridge, Kansas, daughter of Wilson Henry Kasson and Cora Bell Connell Kasson.

Early childhood and schooling were in Paxico, KS where she graduated from high school with honors in 1923. Esther attended Washburn College and Emporia State Teachers College in "the twenties", and taught in a one-room schoolhouse in Wabaunsee County District 32, and the Paxico Grade School 1923-1927.

Mrs. Lietz graduated from Washburn University in 1962, with a degree in Elementary Education, and taught 11 years at Topeka Lutheran School.

Esther married Emil Paul Lietz May 8, 1926 in Kansas City, MO. To this union four daughters were born, three of which survive. They are Lura Lee Dryer, Sharon Kay (Harold) Eulert both of Topeka, and Reta Joan (Ron) Hamilton of Bella Vista, AR. Mary Lynne was stillborn in 1935. Emil preceded her in death Aug. 12, 1982. Other survivors include 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews. Esther was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church where she was active in Sunday school and Lutheran Women's Missionary League groups over many years and pianist for the choir.

Services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, November 24, 2012 at the St. John's Lutheran Church, 901 SW Fillmore St., Topeka, KS 66606. Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka. Esther will lie in state after 3 p.m., Friday, at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Lutheran School Foundation, 701 SW Roosevelt, Topeka, KS 66606 or St. John's Lutheran Church.

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