Esther Groves

Esther E. Groves

Funeral services for Esther E. Groves were held Dec. 7, at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Complex. Joint services were conducted by the Lusk Drove No. 64 and Rev. Gary Walker of the Lance Creek Community Church. Burial followed in the Lusk Cemetery.

Esther died Dec. 2, 1999, at the Niobrara County Hospital.

Born March 11, 1921 in Chadron, Neb., she was the daughter of Stewart and Ruby Ida (Grant) Sides. One of 11 children, Esther was raised on the Sides' homeplace in the Kirtley community and remained a life long Niobrara County resident.

An accomplished horsewoman, Esther married a great horseman, James. T. Groves on Nov. 23, 1938. They spent most of their married life in Lance Creek.

As a rancher and owner of the Pronghorn Bar for the past 45 years, Esther enjoyed people and loved having them stop by to visit. She particularly liked those hunting season brought to the area and made many lasting friends from around the country.

A charter member and past president of the Lusk Does Drove No, 64, Esther enjoyed her association in recent years with the Lance Creek Community Church and appreciated the friendship of its members.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by two children, Karen Thompson of Newcastle and Rex Groves of Lance Creek; three grandchildren, J. C. Mangus and Sondra Chitwood of Casper, and Kimberly Tolliver of Rapid City, S. D.; one great grandson T. J. Ayres; and two step-great-granddaughters, Ashley and Kelsey Tolliver; two sisters, Mable Hardman of Casper and Ida Mae Gay of Garfield, Ga., as well a numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

A memorial has been established to the Lusk Does Drove No. 64, the Lance Creek Community Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Cicmanec-Pier Funeral Home of Lusk was in charge of arrangements.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records