Esther (Bear) Dell

Esther Dell joined her husband, Ray at the north 40 on February 24th, 2024. She was born April 06, 1928, one of 8 children. She was a devoted "farm" wife and mother and committed many hours to volunteer work in the community, including the Red Cross Blood Bank, the Beatrice Hospital, political groups, and the Holmesville Church of the Brethren. Esther and Ray loved to square dance and polka. They spent 35+ winters in Tucson and Yuma, AZ and had many wonderful times and memories with friends there. She was a licensed realtor for a time and enjoyed meeting new people and especially playing bridge in her later years. Esther walked a mile or 2 every day up until the last year of her life.  She was an avid golfer and relished the trips to tournaments she made with her golfing friends.

Esther's grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her reason to live and thrive. She cherished Shea Little Burke and Jeff with Lennox and Asher; Jake Little and Dana with Shelby; Jenna Dell Fitch and Shawn with Monroe and Memphis; Micaela Dell Thomas and Steve with Ruby and Ray; and Isaiah Dell and Dr. Carrie with Reese, Maddox and Lundy. Grandma went to every activity possible when one of her grands were involved. She will be remembered fondly by her family for her chocolate chip cookies, ghoulash, hot fudge sauce and homemade ice cream. Education was a priority in the Ray and Esther Dell family. They believed in supporting the school system and in educational opportunities for all children. They were generous with their giving to community institutions both financially and in time. She will be greatly missed by her children and their spouses. Joanna and Craig Little, Judy and Tom Johnston, and Dan and Diana Dell. Her grandchildren said it best, "She was a huge part of our lives, loved us fiercely, drove us crazy, and made us laugh. So grateful for the childhood we had on the farm close to her. It hurts to lose someone we've known our whole lives and supported us so much." Her family and community will miss her energy and commitment but her energy continues in the legacy she left.

No services are planned at this time. Memorials are suggested to Cottonwood Hospice, 1201 North 10th Street, Beatrice, NE 68310 or Nebraskans for Peace, PO Box 83466, Lincoln, NE  68501. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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