Susan Lorraine esser (Smith): A Life Remembered
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Fair Play,MO – Susan Lorraine Esser (Smith),86,passed away peacefully on Saturday,January 3,2026,at the Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility. A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Susan leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and a vibrant spirit.
Early Life and Family
Born on March 27, 1939, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Susan was the daughter of C.J. and pauline Smith. She embraced life with a warmth that touched all who knew her. In 1960, she married Garry Lee Esser, and together they built a life filled with shared adventures and unwavering devotion. They were just four days shy of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary when Garry passed away on May 1, 2020.
A Family Legacy
Susan was a devoted mother to three children: john C. Esser (lisa) of Nebraska City, Nebraska; Cynthia R. Frantz (Carl) of Derby, Kansas; and Fred W. Esser (Stacie) of Fair Play, Missouri. Her love extended to her five grandchildren – Chris Esser, Nick Esser, Justin Frantz (Johanna), Jordan Frantz (Emily), and haylee Esser – who brought immense joy to her life. She cherished her role as a grandmother and embraced technology to stay connected, even mastering texting in her later years to keep in touch with them.
A Life Well-lived
Susan and Garry shared nearly six decades of companionship, supporting each other through life’s journey. They found joy in traveling, camping, taking cruises, and working on their property. Susan’s home was always open, filled with laughter and the aroma of a loving kitchen. She possessed a unique ability to connect with others, offering a listening ear and a comforting presence.
Beyond her family, susan had a passion for gardening, nurturing any plant or flower with a gentle touch. Her love for animals was evident in the many cats and her dog, Pepper, who shared her home and her heart. She also enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, like reading mystery novels and true crime stories, and collecting gnomes – always pronouncing the “g”.
Party of Life
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the Butler Funeral home. Susan will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Garry, at the Springfield Veterans Cemetery.
Published by Bolivar Herald-Free Press from January 6 to January 7,2026.
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