Esther Marie Headrick, the daughter of George W. and Gladys E. (Moody) Phillips, was born on Sept. 2, 1929, in Independence, Mo. She died on Jan. 2, 2022, at Brodstone Memorial Hospital, Superior, Neb.

Esther was a 1947 graduate from Norton High School, Norton, Kan., and attended Kansas State University, Manhattan, where she met C. Wendell Headrick. They were introduced by Denny Meyer, Superior, on a blind double-date on April Fool's Day. Esther and Wendell were united in marriage Nov. 6,1948, at the Congregational Christian Church, Manhattan.

She moved to the Headrick Homestead, Jewell County, Kan., to start her 52 years of marriage to Wendell. They were blessed with three children: Steven, Ronald, and Nancy. For many years, Esther worked for the Brodstone Memorial Hospital and Superior Clinic as an Xray and lab technician. Later she became a successful insurance agent for Central States of Omaha.

Esther moved to New Braunfels, Texas, with her husband in 1980. She took an active role in many community organizations including: New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce (Airman of the quarter), Downtown Association (past president), Sophienburg Museum and Archives, and Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture. Together Esther and Wendell operated Headrick Country Home Antiques for 20 years, traveling around the states acquiring merchandise for the shop. She especially enjoyed collecting quilts, Texas Wilson Pottery, and hand-crafted Texas furniture. Esther was an active participant in the Republican Party and Republican women's organization in Kansas, Nebraska and Texas.

She moved from New Braunfels, Texas, to Meadow Lark Hills, Manhattan, in 2010. She was involved in various activities offered by Meadow Lark Hills. Esther enjoyed penning stories about her life growing up in Kansas. One of her writings about her adoption and birthparents was published in KelLee Parr's book Mansion on a Hill as Esther's Story.

Esther returned to Superior, in November of 2019 and resided at Kingwood Court until her death. She spent the last two years close to grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her daughter. Although COVID made it difficult for friends and family to visit, she kept herself busy writing and reading when able. She enjoyed the 'window' visits from the great-grandchildren especially at Halloween. New friendships were made and old friendships renewed. The Wine Wednesday and Friday with others in their Kingswood homes was a highlight to her week.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her eldest son, Steve "Moose" Headrick.

Leaving to cherish her memory are: daughter-in-law, Jane Headrick, Superior; son, Ron (Glenda) Headrick, Waverly, Iowa; daughter, Nancy (Darrell) Brandt, Superior; grandchildren: Sarah (Mike) Kirchhoff, Hardy; Christina Flaata, Superior; Elizabeth (Taylor) Ginther, Courtland, Kan .; Susannah Headrick, Flagstaff, Ariz .; Darrell Headrick, Lincoln, Neb .; Denise (Matt) Miller, Iowa City, Iowa; Nathan (Jodi) Headrick, Ames, Iowa; Lora (Brian) Albert, Tiffin, Iowa; Lee (Sara) Brandt, Parker, Colo .; Maggie (Michael) Bottom, Sanford, N.C .; Eric Brandt, Superior; and 22 great-grandchildren.

A family greeting was held with friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, at the Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior.

Memorials are suggested to Olive Hill Cemetery or First United Methodist Church of Superior.

A graveside service is planned for 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 30, 2022, at the Olive Hill Cemetery, rural Jewell County, Kan.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Neb. 68978, 402-879-3900