Esther I. Taylor

Burwell — Esther Ione Taylor, 97, of Burwell, formerly of rural Amelia, died Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell.

Visitation was held Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025 at Still Waters Funeral Parlor in Burwell.

A celebration of life service was held on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 at the Calamus Trinity Methodist Church in Burwell. Pastors Stephen Williams and Stan Gurney officiated.

Burial was in the Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell.

Memorials may be made to the Burwell Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Esther's name.

Esther was born June 20, 1928, to William P. and Mary D. (Davis) Freeman on the family farm in the Bean Creek area near Burwell. She received her education at a rural country school.

On Jan. 17, 1948, Esther and James Clair “Jim” Taylor were united in marriage at O'Neill. The couple made their first home in southwestern Holt County. They later moved to the “home place” near Amelia in the mid 50's. Esther and Jim were married for 68 years. Following Jim's passing in January of 2016, Esther moved to Burwell in 2018.

While Jim did farm and ranch work, Esther took care of the business details. She was a rancher's wife that cooked many delicious meals for the hired help and hay crew; she cared for the milk cows and chicken; and raised a large garden, canning much of the produce. 

In Esther's home, you never went away hungry. She was an excellent baker and cook with fried chicken and noodles as her specialty. She also baked and decorated many wedding and celebration cakes.  She was a seamstress and enjoyed crocheting and knitting. Above all was her family and providing care to her grandchildren. 

Esther served on the Pine Valley School Board and Holt County Election Board. She was a lifetime member of Willing Helpers Club.

Esther is survived by two sons Clifford (Veronica) Taylor of Amelia and Bobby (Cheryl) Taylor of Burwell, five grandchildren 11 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jim; a daughter Debra Taylor; one sister LuVerda Long; and six brothers Milo, Ray, Harold, Harvey, Morris and Virgil Freeman.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.stillwatersfu neralparlor.com