Hastings, Nebraska resident Esther F. (Fox) Echternach, departed this life and entered The Eternal Home on November 15, 2009 at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska. Esther was 100 years of age having been born on March 8, 1909 in Sutton, Nebraska, the daughter of John and Magdalena (Gabel) Fox.

Her parents were Germans from Russia who came to America on May 13, 1907. Esther grew up in Sutton, Nebraska and attended school through the 6th grade then she joined her family working in the beet fields. She worked for Swifts Meat Packing, Kips Cigar Company and the Kool-Aid Company all of Hastings, Nebraska. Esther married Walter Brown Echternach on November 14, 1933, and raised 10 children, Walter passed away April 25, 1980. Esther loved to garden, her whole yard was full of flowers; she enjoyed music, singing, playing the harmonica and keyboard, mostly German songs. Esther was able to stay in her own home thanks to the support of her family.

Esther survivors are children Harold of Washington State, Shirley Lee of Grand Island, Nebraska; Dorothy Larabee of Hastings, Nebraska; Darlene Payne and husband Hubert of Hastings, Nebraska; Delores Swanigan of Lincoln, Nebraska; Phyllis Secord and husband Dean of Colorado; Leroy and wife Carol of Hastings, Nebraska; Eileene Consbruck and husband Gayle of Hastings, Nebraska; Erma Hoffman and husband Jim of Ayr, Nebraska;and Dennis and wife Janet of Alaska and a host of friends and relatives.

Esther was welcomed into The Heavenly Home by her parents, John and Magdalena Fox; husband, Walter Brown Echternach; 5 brothers; 2 sisters; grandsons, Jeffery Swanigan and Steve Consbruck; great granddaughter, Adrianna; daughter-in-law, Ramona; and son-in-law, Lloyd Larabee.