Ariel E. Esslinger, 15, of St. Benedict, Kansas, died on Friday, January 26, 2007, as a result of an automobile accident west of Seneca.

She was born October 23, 1991, in Seneca, the daughter of Michael and Karen Schraad Esslinger. She attended B&B grade school and had graduated from the 8th grade; while in junior high, she was involved in volleyball, basketball and track. She was currently a freshman at B & B High School.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church at St. Benedict, and was a former HHHH 4-H member.

Ariel enjoyed dancing and loved being on the computer. She had attended Dancin’ Productions for four years and had competed at the Regional Level winning a silver medal. Ariel was an assistant instructor for beginners hip-hop. She was employed at Subway and she helped her father at Assure Crop in the warehouse. Ariel loved people, and believed no one was a stranger.

Survivors are her parents of St. Benedict; five sisters, Anna Marie of Manhattan, Angela, Ashley, and Autumn, all of the home, and Rachel Heideman, of Topeka; a brother, Anthony of the home; her grandparents, Waymer Esslinger of Bern and Gene and Betty Schraad of Seneca; and her great-grandparents Elmer and Mary Skoch of Seneca.

Her grandmother Pauline Esslinger preceded her in death in August 2005. Ariel was joined in death by her unborn child, Shawna Brook Esslinger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Thursday at St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Wednesday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.