Esther Ritchhart

Esther Ritchhart, age 95, of Sioux Falls and formerly of Huron, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Her funeral service was held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 14, at the Kuhler Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Ideal Cemetery. Her service was live-streamed.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Esther Kost was born July 28, 1930, to Jacob and Lydia Kost, at Ree Heights, South Dakota. She was the youngest of seven children, Albert, Emil, Filmer, Harold, Annette, Irene and Herman. Her family moved to Huron when was seven years old. She grew up and became a lifetime member of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church.

On July 31, 1948, she found her first love, Merle Marvin. They made their home in Huron and had three children, Cindy born February 21, 1950, Cathy born August 24, 1953 and Paul who was born August 22, 1963.

Esther worked 23 years at the Huron Public Schools as a manager of the food service department. She made the best homemade caramel rolls and coconut cream pies.

Merle passed away suddenly on December 28, 1968. Esther managed to keep working and care of her family at the same time.

Then much to her surprise, she found a new love in Abe Ritchhart. They were married September 3, 1971. They continued to make their home in Huron for several more years.

Esther retired in 1992, so Esther and Abe were able to spend their retirement years golfing and traveling on cruise ships. In 2010, Esther and Abe moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to family and doctor appointments.

Abe passed away December 5, 2020; they were married for 49 years. Esther was blessed to continue her stay in their home until she passed away. She had great help from children, Cathy and Paul, as they lived very close by.

During her last days of care, Avera Home Hospice came to their aide. Hospice was so helpful during the difficult times.

She was preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings; her husbands, Merle Marvin and Abe Ritchhart; a step-son, Terry Ritchhart; and one daughter, Cindy Wilmarth.

Grateful for having shared her life include her daughter, Cathy Marvin of Sioux Falls; her son, Paul Marvin of Sioux Falls; her step-son, Kim (Roberta) Ritchhart of Wisconsin; her daughter-in-law, Cheri Ritchhart of Huron; and her son-in-law, Ken Wilmarth of Kadoka.

She is also survived by six grandchildren, Tammy (Tim) Merchen of Norris, South Dakota, Tricia (Darryl) Amiotte of Wall, Brandon Ritchhart of Wisconsin, Trever Ritchhart of Boston, Michael Ritchhart of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Jacob Marvin of Sioux Falls.

Great-Grandma Esther will be missed by her six great-grandchildren, Ty (Val) Merchen of Norris, Taylor (Kevin) Coy of Chadron, Nebraska, Bridger (Sidney) Amiotte of Meadow, South Dakota, Cedar Amiotte of Chadron, Nebraska, Younger Amiotte of Wall and Ashlyn Ritchhart of Cheyenne; as well as two great-great-grandchildren, Tre and Korbin Coy of Chadron.

Esther Adele will be greatly missed by all of us. We will forever hold our fond memories of her close to our hearts. We love you mom, grandma and friend.