Susan Lorraine Esser

1939 - 2026

Susan Lorraine Esser (Smith), 86, of Fair Play, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at the Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility. Susan was born on March 27, 1939, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to C.J. and Pauline Smith. She met and married the love of her life, Garry Lee Esser, on May 5, 1960, and they were only four days from celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary when he passed on May 1, 2020. Together they had three children and surviving her are John C. Esser (Lisa) of Nebraska City, Nebraska, Cynthia R. Frantz (Carl) of Derby, Kansas, and Fred W. Esser (Stacie) of Fair Play, MO. She also had five grandchildren: Chris Esser, Nick Esser, Justin Frantz (Johanna), Jordan Frantz (Emily), and Haylee Esser. Susan and Garry had nearly six decades together in which they walked side by side, hand in hand. They were each other's best friend, steady rock, dreams, hopes, and love. They were truly an inspiration to their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed traveling, camping, going on cruises, working on their property, and being with their family. Her greatest love was her grandchildren, and she was so proud of them and she was overjoyed to learn how to use texting as a lady in her golden years to keep in touch with them. She always said she was extremely lucky to have such wonderful grandchildren. She was the one who everyone could talk to and share with. Her innocent exterior hid an ornery streak which both delighted and horrified her children. She was truly a character. She enjoyed gardening, and there was no flower, plant, or shrub that she could not grow, fix, or nurture. Susan also loved animals, and her home had at least one kitty. There were no kitties that she could not charm, and they loved her as much as she loved them. Later, she added her dog, Pepper, who was loved and spoiled as much as the kitties were. Susan enjoyed mystery novels and true crime shows and would read and re-read her favorites often. She had a passion for gnomes (pronouncing the "g"), collecting them for her gardens and decorating her living space with them. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother to her family, and she will be missed very much, but live on in each of us. There will be a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, at the Butler Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at a later date beside her beloved husband, Gary, in the Springfield Veterans Cemetery.