Esther Marie Heater

ESTHER MARIE HEATER Esther Marie Heater, longtime Belle Plaine resident, embarked on her eternal journey on the 18th of October, 2025. She was born on the 31st of October, 1929, in Meade, Kansas, to Constantine and Charlotte (Jones) Haas. Known for her compassionate heart, creative spirit, and generous nature, Esther was a beacon of love and service in her community. She was a dedicated bookkeeper at First Presbyterian Church in Wichita and later for the Presbytery of Southern Kansas, but her work went far beyond her regular duties. Her commitment to her faith was manifest in her tireless efforts for the church, serving in different capacities, from teaching to treasury roles. "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10), a verse that Esther lived by and exemplified throughout her life. Esther was married to her beloved husband, F. Oron Heater, in 1948, and together they embraced a life filled with joy and shared interests. She was an avid collector of all things clown-themed, from figurines to paintings, reflecting her love for creativity and joy. Esther and her spouse were also enthusiastic square dancers and proud members of the Paradise Valley Swingers Square Dance Club. Their passion for dance was only rivaled by Esther's love for card games, which she often enjoyed with family, friends, and fellow members of the senior center. Her community spirit was reflected in her engagement with the American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries, the Belle Plaine Historical Society, the Belle Plaine Community Foundation, and the Chamber of Commerce. Esther was devoted to all members of her community (young and old), and proudly served as both a Boy Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Troop Leader for many years. In 2013, she was honored with the Belle Plaine Quality Citizen Award, a testament to her years of dedicated service to the community. Esther is survived by her son, David Heater, and wife Teresa of Belle Plaine; daughter, Myrna Heath of Belle Plaine; daughter, Janette Heater of Overland Park; daughter, Penny Heater of Wichita; son, Michael Heater of Belle Plaine; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband in 2011; her parents, Constantine and Charlotte Haas; and son-in-law, Steven Heath. A visitation with the family of Esther will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at Belle Plaine Global Methodist Church, located at 124 East 10th Avenue, Belle Plaine, Kansas. This will immediately be followed by a memorial service at the same venue at 10:30 am. A private interment will follow at a later date in the Belle Plaine Cemetery, Belle Plaine, Kansas. Please consider making a contribution in her name to either the Belle Plaine Historical Society or Valley Ridge Elder Care. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home. Esther's life was a testament to the values she held dear: Family, Church, and Community. Her legacy will endure in the hearts of those she touched with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. In honor of Esther Heater's life and enduring spirit, share a memory, leave condolences, or sign her digital tribute wall atwww.cornejofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington, Kansas.