Esther Hildebrand

The heavens rejoiced and a family reunion began as the sweetest soul on Earth entered it’s gates November 16, 2014. Sarah Esther Hildebrand passed away peacefully with her family sharing stories by her side. She left during the funny part while everyone was smiling. Esther was born in Long Lane, MO to Henry and Bessie Williams July 10,1918. She graduated from Buffalo High School and July 18, 1936 married Bert Hildebrand. Together they had 3 children Russell, Berta and Carlos Joe. They had been married for 66 years when Bert passed away November 18, 2002. Their marriage was the glue that held the family they created together. Their love, the rock upon which we all were built. How do you describe the life of a lady who did so many things for so many people? Words do not seem adequate to explain the feeling she left you with. The twinkle in her eye when she saw you. The hug that fixed everything or her laugh that felt like you had just won a prize. Esther enjoyed crocheting, a good game of eye spy and batting balloons with the kids. Did you ever see her juggle? She was good! Her office was the kitchen and her chocolate chip cookies and the dough were enjoyed and fought over by many. Family dinner on Sundays, holidays and birthday parties, those are the things her grandchildren’s childhoods were made of. She taught us there are consequences for your actions. There’s also a bush full of switches in the front yard. She taught us to care for people and be there for them when they need it. She gave love away by the handfuls every day of her life, but she was strong also. When faced with the hardest trials in life she would say, “Brace Up!” with a strength and seriousness that let you know you had it in you to make it through. Like a mother to many of her grandchildren she will be greatly missed. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Bessie Williams, her brother Estel Williams and sister Donnie June North, her husband Bertram Hildebrand, her daughter Berta Hildebrand and her grandson Jeff Baker. Esther is survived by her sister Dauntless Dampier of Long Lang, MO two sons and their wives, Russell and Julie Hildebrand of Los Angeles, CA; Carlos Joe and Pam Hildebrand of Fair Grove, MO; and nine grandchildren Debbie Keelan and her husband David, Audrey Devine, Michelle Rodgers, Bryan Hildebrand and his wife Carolynn, Jann Baker, Jill Pfeifer, Angie Johnson, Collins Hildebrand and his wife Robin; and Jake Hildebrand. 24 Great grandchildren, David, Dan, Patrick, Paul, Kammie, Chelsea, Kelly, Michael, Nicholas, Steffanie, Cory, Jenniffer, Alexandria, Sara, Garrett, Alaina, Devon, Logon, Braydon, Hailey, Zach, Seth, Kaliegh and Alex. and one great-great grandchild and a host of family and friends. Funeral Services will be held Friday November 21st at 1:00 P.M. in the Montgomery-Viets Chapel. Burial will follow in the Benton Branch Cemetery under the direction of the Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo.

Esther Hildebrand

July 10, 1918 - November 16, 2014