Esther L. Langdon

Esther Lydia Langdon was born March 25, 1923 in Windsor, Colorado, daughter of Carl and Anna Brunner. Later the family moved to Nisland, SD where she attended school, enjoying class plays, Glee Club, and graduated Salutatorian of her class in 1941.

Esther married Richard Langdon in 1943 in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. In 1944, she returned home and attended Black Hills State College, and then taught in Igloo, SD. Upon Richard's return to the states they purchased a store in Nisland and operated it until 1950, during those years three sons, Dennis, Morley, and Randy were born. They moved to Spearfish; Richard completed his degree and taught. Daughter Bette joined the family in '54. In 1956 they moved to Powell, WY where her husband served as principal for 11 years. Esther conducted a private kindergarten in her home for 7 years. She enjoyed being active in the 1st Methodist Church, as teacher, and as board member. The family was very active in the baseball program every summer, and she managed the concession stand for 8 yrs. Esther was active in the Republican Party, serving as Precinct Committeewoman for 10 years. Other organizations that she was affiliated with were; Big Horn Basin Dinner Club, Community Concert Series, Eastern Star and Cub Scouts.

From 1967 to 1981 they lived in Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and S. Dakota working as educators. Her motto was "Bloom where you're planted" and loved working in each community they lived in. After her children all graduated from college, she returned to earn her BA in Education, from Black Hill State University, and became Chapter 1 Director plus teaching remedial Reading for 8 years.

Esther and Richard retired from teaching in 1988, and moved to Casper where they spent their summers and wintered in Mesa, Arizona. In Arizona, Esther enjoyed being a Chapel board member, painting with the Palette Club, as well as water exercises each morning. Their true love was dancing Friday nights, to the Big Band sounds.

In the years since the passing of her husband, Esther continued to love playing bridge, seeing flowers around her, but most of all having her loved ones near. Foxie continued to be her protective companion until the end. No matter if it was friends or family, she was loving and supportive, with a listening ear. A true graduate from the school of hard knocks, she always reminded us to "keep a smile as your umbrella".

Esther was preceded in death by husband, Richard and granddaughter, Annette.
She was grateful for having shared her life with sons, Dennis (Judy), Morley (Jane), Randy (Jeannette) and daughter, Bette Gallant; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Spirituality and prayer were vital in her life.

To share your memories of Esther or leave a special condolence message for her family, please click the Shared Memories button above.