Esther M. Monarez, 74, died Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at her Newton residence. She was born on March 9, 1944, in Fresno, Calif., to Oswald and Hilda (Regier) Klassen.
Esther retired from Newton Medical Center in 2008 after nearly 46 years of service as a unit clerk. She attended Newton Bible Church, where she was a longtime volunteer with AWANA.
Family was important to Esther and she looked forward to spending time with her loving family and many friends. She enjoyed sewing and playing the piano. She liked animals and had a special fondness of horses. Another pleasure of Esther’s was Southern gospel music, and she could often be found enjoying the Gaither’s or the Blackwood’s special kind of music.
Esther is survived by her daughter, Lisa and her husband Mark Sutherland of Newton; brother, Paul Klassen of Pratt; and sister Dolores Banman of Hesston. She also is survived by one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Private family services will be with Petersen Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to Newton Bible Christian School in care of Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.