Esther A. Rich
Esther Arlene Gilland (Gilliland) Harkrider/Rich, 96, of Lake Tapawingo, Missouri passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020. A graveside service is planned on her birthday, June 6th, in Blue Springs, MO. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the MS Society.
Esther was born June 6, 1924 in Worth County, Missouri, the daughter of Wesley and Margie (Davis) Gilland. She grew up on her grandparent’s farm, a little north of Allendale, MO in an area called “The Nation.” When her grandparents were no longer able to farm, they built a little house and barn in Grant City, MO where Mom rode her horse to high school. After high school, she lived and worked in St. Joseph, MO. Mom’s best friend, Aunt Dot Lou, lived in Stanberry, MO (a town that was almost named after my great grandfather, Charles W. Harkrider) had a brother, Charles E. Harkrider, who became Mom’s husband.
After the war they moved to Kansas City, MO. She lived for 66 years in a house that Dad built in 1954 at Lake Tapawingo, MO, where she raised their family. After Dad died in 1986, Mom married her beloved James Rich.
Mom is survived by two daughters Connie Ann Reagan, Lake Tapawingo, MO and Cynthia Louise Hamilton, residing in Apple Valley, MN. Four grandchildren: Samuel F. Reagan; Robert Beech Reagan; Charissa Nichole Dyer; Calie Marie Hanauman; and step-granddaughter, Amy Beth Taylor; along with 13, much loved, great-grandchildren.
Mom was very much loved and we will miss her more than she can ever imagine. Rest in peace Mom. We love you very much.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441