Esther Arlene Gilland (Gilliland) Harkrider/Rich, 96, of Lake Tapawingo, Missouri passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020. A graveside service is planned on her birthday, June 6th, in Blue Springs, MO. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the MS Society.
Esther was born June 6, 1924 in Worth County, Missouri, the daughter of Wesley and Margie (Davis) Gilland. She grew up on her grandparent’s farm, a little north of Allendale, MO in an area called “The Nation.” When her grandparents were no longer able to farm, they built a little house and barn in Grant City, MO where Mom rode her horse to high school. After high school, she lived and worked in St. Joseph, MO. Mom’s best friend, Aunt Dot Lou, lived in Stanberry, MO (a town that was almost named after my great grandfather, Charles W. Harkrider) had a brother, Charles E. Harkrider, who became Mom’s husband.
After the war they moved to Kansas City, MO. She lived for 66 years in a house that Dad built in 1954 at Lake Tapawingo, MO, where she raised their family. After Dad died in 1986, Mom married her beloved James Rich.
Mom is survived by two daughters Connie Ann Reagan, Lake Tapawingo, MO and Cynthia Louise Hamilton, residing in Apple Valley, MN. Four grandchildren: Samuel F. Reagan; Robert Beech Reagan; Charissa Nichole Dyer; Calie Marie Hanauman; and step-granddaughter, Amy Beth Taylor; along with 13, much loved, great-grandchildren.
Mom was very much loved and we will miss her more than she can ever imagine. Rest in peace Mom. We love you very much.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
Sharon and Jim Stone
31 Dec 2020We will deeply miss our good neighbor and friend, Esther Rich.
Sharon and Jim Stone
Jill Bishop
31 Dec 2020So sorry for your loss Connie. You took amazing care of her. Sending lots of hugs and prayers to you.
Teri Frailey
31 Dec 2020My deepest sympathy, Connie, for the loss of your mother. I know your presence and support provided a haven for her to be in her beloved home.
Elaine Gilligan
1 Jan 2021Jim and I send our sympathy and prayers for the family. She lived a good life and touched the hearts of many. What a great legacy …the family of which she was the matriarch. God Bless!
Janice K Pahlas
1 Jan 2021So sorry for your loss. Esther was loved by all. God’s peace be with all of you
Sandra Schoultz
4 Jan 2021Connie, Cindy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss her a bunch. I couldn’t ask for a better neighbor. When I moved here 20 years ago, I put furniture out to the curb to be hauled off and worried about how my neighbors would respond to it sitting there for a few days. Esther and Jim couldn’t be any nicer to their new neighbor. May Esther rest in peace.