Esther Laning

Esther Eloise Laning, age 97, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. 

She was born June 30, 1922 in Cooperstown Township in Brown County the daughter of Frank Lee and Tessa Lenora Long Laning.  

Esther attended Meyers Grade School in Brown County, graduated from Mt. Sterling High School and St. Frances School of Nursing in Peoria, Illinois.  She was a veteran of World War II, having enlisted in the United States Army Nurses Corps, where she obtained the rank of 2nd Lt. After the service she served as a nurse in California, Arkansas and Illinois.  She met many interesting people in all walks of life. Esther returned to Brown County in 1977 and was employed at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, Illinois for many years. She enjoyed her nursing and always thinking of other people's needs and her family.   

She was a member of the Ripley Church of God, the American Nurses Association, the American Legion, and volunteered for the Area Agency on Aging. 

She is survived by 1 nephew Robert Laning (Karen) of Mt. Sterling.  Great nephews, Eric Laning (Kristi) and their children Hallie and Jacob, Richard Laning (Kirsten) and their children Tristan, Treavon and Preslie Jo and Tim Laning (Carrie) and their children Avery, Tessa and Aubrey Laning.  Many cousins also survive.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 sister Grace Laning, 1 brother Wayne Laning, 1 sister-in-law Millie Laning and 1 nephew Kenneth Laning. 

Due to the current health situation and under the direction of the local health department private graveside services will be held at the Ripley Cemetery with military honors to be conducted by the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail.  A celebration of Esther’s life will be conducted at a later date. 

There will be no visitation. 

Memorials are suggested to the Ripley Church of God or the Ripley Cemetery and may be left at the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling.  

Condolences for the family may be left on  line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com. 

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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