Esther Mclaury

Esther McLaury, 82, of Merriam, passed away Monday, February 6, 2012.

Esther was born July 4, 1929, to the late Frank Matney and Annie Laurie Swanson in Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from Argentine High School. Esther married James McLaury, the love of her life, May 8, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri. He preceded her in death after 53 years of marriage on March 28, 2008.

Esther worked as an Executive Secretary for the Warner Brothers Studio in Kansas City. She later worked as the bookkeeper for the family business, Advance Heating and Cooling. Esther was a longtime member of Queen of the Holy Rosary and was actively involved with the parish food pantry. Esther enjoyed sewing, crafts, and Bingo. Esther's greatest joy was family gatherings and holidays, especially "Fourth of July" and "Christmas Eve".

She is preceded in death by her sisters, Florence and Norma; and brother Bob; sister in law, Connie; brother in laws, Robert and John. Esther is survived by her daughters: Kathleen McDonald and husband Ken, Deb Fern, Linda Pugh and husband Jesse, and Lisa Smalley; son, Jim McLaury and wife Diana; sister, Cecelia Gray; sisters in law, Joyce Kellerman and Mary McLaury; brother in law, Tom McLaury and wife Donna; 14 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

A Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2012, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee; visitation will follow from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 10, 2012, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7023 W. 71st Street, Overland Park, Kansas. Burial in Resurrection Cemetery, Lenexa, Kansas.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Catholic Community Hospice; 9740 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212.