Esther Lukert, 97, passed away on June 7, 2018 at the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, Kansas. Esther was born in Newkirk, Oklahoma, August 4, 1920, the daughter of Ralph and Atha (Smith) Gilbert.

She was a graduate of Fairview High School. Esther was united in marriage to Ernest Lukert of Sabetha, Kansas in 1939 in Fairview, Kansas. They lived north of Sabetha in the Rock Creek area for the first five years and then moved south of Sabetha to the Capioma area to farm with Ernie’s family. They were blessed with six children in this union. Ernie and Esther farmed for over 50 years before moving into Sabetha to enjoy their retirement. Esther loved to cook for her family and hired hands. She was an excellent baker and made the best cinnamon rolls.

She is survived by her son, Lee (Connie) Lukert of Sabetha, KS; daughters, Susan (Richard) Dalton of Prairie Village, KS; and Linda (Richard) Devoe of Topeka, KS; grandchildren Jaclyn (Luke) Pfizenmaier and Michelle (Lance) Langvardt of Clay Center, KS; Jessica Dalton of Kansas City, MO; John Dalton of Seattle, WA; Mike Devoe, Amy (Andy) Green, and Derek (Lori) Snook of Topeka, KS; and Jonathan (Brandy) Snook of Gray, GA. Esther also has 16 great grandchildren.

Esther is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ernest in 2012, sons Eddie and Mike Lukert, daughter Dodie Reed, grandson Bob Carter, and great granddaughter Anna Pfizenmaier; and five siblings.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Tuesday, where the family will meet with friends Tuesday evening, June 12 from 6:00 - 7:30.

A Celebration of Esther’s Eternal life is planned for Wednesday, June 13 at 10:30 am at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha. Reverend Sean Kilgo will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Memorial contributions can be made directly to the Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, KS or to the Michael F. Lukert Memorial at the Johnson Cancer Research Center at KSU. Or both can also be given to Chapel Oaks Funeral Home. A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com