Esther Shell

Esther Marie Shell, 92, Topeka, passed away Tues. Nov. 25, 2008. She was born Mar. 19, 1916 in Havensville, KS, the daughter of William and Rose McKee Holliday.

Esther graduated from Soldier High School, Soldier, KS, in 1934. She then went on to attend Stewart's Beauty School in Topeka, graduating in 1935. Esther was united in marriage to Melvin C. Shell Aug. 23, 1935 in Soldier, KS. He preceded her in passing June 26, 1973. She was also preceded in death by her four brothers, Leonard, Floyd, Frank and Ralph Holliday.

Survivors include: Son, Robert (Dee) Shell, Aurora, CO; Daughter, Carole (John) Haynes, Topeka; Granddaughter, Tammy (Tony) Vardys; Step Granddaughters, Phileshia Wallace and Sophie Traxler; Great Grandchildren, Hallie Marie Vardys and Dillon Vardys.

Mrs. Shell will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel beginning at 2:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 28, 2008. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 7:00- 8:30 p.m. that evening. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 29th at Town and Country Christian Church 4925 SW 29th St. Topeka, KS 66614. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church, American Cancer Society 1315 SW Arrowhead Rd. Topeka, KS 66604 or Heart of America Hospice 3715 SW 29th, Suite 100 Topeka, KS 66614.