Esther Thorne

Esther C. Thorne, age 79 of Bradshaw, NE, died Friday, March 27, 2009 at Stromsburg, NE. She was born May 21, 1929 at rural Lushton, NE to Cornelius and Malinda (Franz) Buller. Following high school, Esther received her teaching certificate from Grace Bible College. She was united in marriage to Marion Edward Thorne on March 19, 1950 in York County, NE. Esther was a member of the New Life Church of the Nazarene in York where she was the pianist, choir member, society treasurer, Sunday school teacher, kitchen director, board member and delegate to the Church District Assembly. She was one of the founding members of the York Senior Center, enjoyed bowling, traveling and loved weddings. She was also a member of the York Navy Mothers, a 4-H leader and PTA member.

Left to cherish her memory are three sons: Duane K. (LaVeda) Thorne of York, Kenneth E. (Jeanne) Thorne of York, and Dennis J. & Melissa Thorne of Lincoln; four daughters: Charlotte E. (Gerald) Zieg of Beaver Crossing, NE, Marcia Ann Thomas and her fiancé’ Tom Toms of Lincoln, Lois J. (Philip) Burke of Stromsburg, NE, Corinne K. (Wes) Tarkington of Green Briar Ark. 23 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers: Daniel C. (Marie) Buller of Torrington, WY, Carl C. (Suely) Buller of Stow, OH, Wayne C. (Beverly) Buller of Ericson, NE; four sisters: Matilda C. Klippenstein (York), Darlene C. Meinert of Bakersfield, CA, Ruth C. (Don) Harms of Reedley, CA, and Alma C. (Wayne) Martens of Bakersfield, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Zebulun Pike Burke, great grandsons Ryne Mullen, Travis Charles Lowder and Jonathan Vance.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the New Life Church of the Nazarene in York with the Reverend’s Stephen Sheets and Roger Burke officiating. Burial will be in York’s Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. Visitation begins after 5:00 pm Monday evening at Metz Mortuary in York with her family greeting friends Tuesday evening from 6:30 – 8:30 also at the mortuary.