Esther Reiber

Esther Anna Reiber went home to be with her Savior, August 27, 2017, at the age of 98.

Born April 21, 1919, near Ayr, NE, to Richard and Annette-Meyer- Kort, she was baptized in May, 1919. She spent the first years of her happy childhood on the family farm near Ayr. The family moved to Hastings in 1925 where Esther attended Parochial school through the 8th grade and was confirmed May 21, 1933 at Zion Lutheran. She graduated as Salutatorian of Hastings high school in 1937. Esther loved performing in school plays and participated in other activities such as singing in a trio on KMMJ radio. She loved to go dancing in Hastings and surrounding towns. She even danced several times with Lawrence Welk.

Esther married Harold Reiber in 1938. Both were employed at Hastings State Hospital for two years, and moved to San Diego, CA, in 1941. In 1942, in Ft. Worth, TX, they opened the "Snak Shak Drive In," one of the first drive-ins in that area. A daughter, Sharon Ann, was born on Nov. 23rd, 1943. In 1946 they moved to Kearney, Nebraska, where they built the Shady Lane Motel. Daughter, Susan Jean, was born on Jan. 18th, 1951. They owned a lumber company; a gas station, The Royal Home Company, and were co-owners of the Holiday Inn, Shakey's Pizza Parlor and the Big Apple Bowling Alley. The family enjoyed traveling, and visited every state except Alaska. They also toured 9 European countries, which Esther named as one of the highlights of her life.

Esther and Harold moved to Rogers, AR, in 1974, and built a home overlooking Beaver Lake. As active members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Esther sang in the church choir, and at one time purchased robes for the choir. She helped assemble bulletins and church materials for many years, and was a member of Trinity's Quilting Society, helping make thousands of quilts for those in need.

Esther's favorite hobbies included arts and crafts, crocheting (she crocheted Christening Blankets for several grandchildren), needlework, quilling, basketry, playing cards and working crossword puzzles. She loved to laugh and tell jokes - just one of the many ways she will be fondly remembered. Greatly missed by her loving family and friends, we take comfort in knowing she is now living in pure joy with her Savior, Jesus.

Esther is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings; Leonard Kort, Francis Haase and Edgar Kort, her husband, Harold, and other dear relatives. She is survived by daughter, Sharon and son-in-law Gary Dick of Topeka, KS, daughter, Susan Jean Holt of Rogers; Grandchildren, Teri Poff, Kristi Bristow, Jenny McBryde, Jason Holt and Joshua Holt; 9 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation is Wed., 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Aug. 30th, at Rollins Funeral Home, 1401 W. Hudson Rd, Rogers. Services will be 10:00 am, Thurs., Aug. 31st, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 W. Hudson Rd., Rogers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Church's "Music Ministry." Memorial service will be at the Livingston-Butler-Volland Funeral Home, in Hastings, NE, Sat., Sept. 2nd, at 10:00 a.m, 1225 N. Elm Ave. Burial to follow at Parkview Cemetery, in Hastings, NE.

Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home of Rogers, AR. www.rollinsfuneral.com