Esther Bertha Schmelzle, 87, of St. Benedict, KS, died Sunday, November 27, 2011 at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

She was born on September 20, 1924, on a farm northwest of St. Benedict, the daughter of Joseph and Rose Mary Rennenger Mohrman. She attended District #74 Public School until the 6th grade, then went to St. Benedict School, graduating high school in 1942.

Following graduation, Esther worked in Kansas City, MO, at Western Auto and Russell Stover Candy. She also worked at Farrell’s Dime Store in Seneca before her marriage.

On December 29, 1949, she married Leo P. Schmelzle at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. They lived on Esther’s family’s home place northwest of St. Benedict. They farmed, raised livestock, and operated Leo’s Electric. Esther was also employed by B & B School District #451 in St. Benedict as a lunchroom cook for 23 years.

The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in December of 1999. They were married 60 years when Leo died on March 31, 2010.

Esther was a member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict, St. Ann’s Altar Society, and was a Hustler’s 4-H Club cooking project leader. She enjoyed baking, cooking and canning; she also loved a good card game.

Survivors are a son Joe (Marcia) Schmelzle of Seneca; a daughter, Joan (Gene) Lierz of Seneca; her sisters, Irene Cairns and Isabelle Schmelzle, both of Kansas City; and five grandchildren, Stacy, Amber, and Caleb Schmelzle, and Jeff and Jason Lierz.

Funeral service will be at 11 AM Wednesday, November 30, at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Tuesday, November 29, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given in Esther’s memory for St. Mary’s Church Restoration Fund, and sent in care of the family.