Esther Lael

Esther Lael, 89, of Springfield, passed away at 9:28 am, Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Springfield Homes. She was born March 8, 1932, in Fancy Prairie, to Chester Taylor and Bessie Shelton Taylor. She was married to her beloved husband, Gaylen Lael, whom she was married to for 70 years, and he preceded her in death on November 2, 2020.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Alan Taylor, Owen Taylor, Guy Taylor, George Taylor, and Robert Taylor; two sisters, Ruth Campbell and Helen Taylor; and grandson-in-law, Brian Bahlow.

She is survived by daughter, Brenda Esslinger (Arthur) of Springfield; son, Steve (Anita) Lael of Springfield, MO; sister, Lulabelle Woodrum of Springfield; brother, Ben Taylor of Dixon; three granddaughters, Rachelle (Joel) Bahlow, Andrea (Nick) Peters and Stephanie (Tony) Lewis; five great-grandchildren, Cole, Callie, and Cash Peters and Mila and Jack Lewis; brother and sister-in-law Wayne and Ann Lael of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Esther graduated from Williamsville High School where she played softball and basketball and was an honor student. She worked for many years at Springfield Electric Supply until her retirement. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church for over 65 years. She loved her church and served as a Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher and was President of the United Methodist Women and Asbury’s Administrative Board. She was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and watched their games whenever she could. She and Gaylen loved vacationing at Lake of the Ozarks with friends and family. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Visitation: 10:00 am – 11:30 pm, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Funeral Service: 11:30 am, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield, with Reverend Bill Burton officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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