Esther May Faunce

Esther May (Freeman) Faunce

Esther May (Freeman) Faunce, 90, Topeka, passed onto the Lord Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at Midland Hospice House. On April 4, 1926, at Holton, Esther was the fifth of six children born to Edward Alexander and Violet Faye (Oakman) Freeman.

She attended Valley Falls High School.

Esther was married to Robert Arthur "Art" Faunce on February 3, 1943, in Topeka. He preceded her in death on March 13, 2002. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister: Ruby Cook; and four brothers: Raymond Freeman, Eldon Freeman, Orville Freeman, and Robert Freeman.

She joined Art at Camp Abbott near Bend, Oregon, previous to his shipping out to Korea for his service there. Then she returned to Topeka to await Art after his deployment. They lived the rest of their lives in Topeka, where they raised their two children, Marge (Whitwam) and Ron.

Esther was dedicated to her family. Marge and Ron both remember friends and family gathering at an old school house dancing the night away. She was known for cooking her special treats of banana chocolate chip cookies for her children and grandchildren.

Esther also was an avid fan of Kansas Jayhawk basketball and the Kansas City Royals baseball. She and Ron often had long talks in anticipation of a matchup and then rehashing games once they were over.

Surviving are a daughter: Marge Whitwam (Fred) of Topeka; a son: Ron Faunce (Barbara) of Bend, OR; five grandchildren: Angela Beemer, Rachelle Tidball, Jesse Faunce, John Faunce, and Nick Faunce; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM, Friday, November 18, 2016, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Avenue, Topeka. Interment will be in Denison City Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.

Esther will lie in state from 3:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, at the funeral chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606-2800.