Esther J. Stutes

Esther J. Stutes - age 95 of Lathrop, MO passed away Sunday morning, March 21st, 2021 at Oak Ridge of Plattsburg. Esther was born on May 18th, 1925 the daughter of Tracy and Irma Belle (White) Crisman in Mendon, MO. In 1943, she became a member of the Mendon Methodist Church, where she was active in many of the church organizations and activities. Esther was also active in 4-H.  She learned to sew at an early age and made many of her own clothes, and clothes for others. Counted cross stitch and quilting became her most passionate hobby. She graduated from Mendon High School in 1943 and joined the Cadet Nurse Corps. On August 14th, 1945 (V.J. Day), she was united in marriage to Randell Charles Stutes in Kansas City, MO.  In October 1946 she graduated from the St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Kansas City, MO and became a registered nurse.  Following graduation, she worked for St. Luke’s Hospital and Independence Sanitarium for 25 years. Of those years, 13 were spent as the head of her department.  Esther returned to Mendon in 1977 and worked as the director of nursing for St. Francis Hospital in Marceline and as a staff nurse for Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield.  She retired in 1990, as the director of nursing for the Grand Chariton Nursing Home in Brunswick.  Later, she used her nursing skills to care for her husband.  In addition to nursing, Esther was a “helpmate” to Randell, as he was a self-employed farmer.  They were soulmates until his passing in 2007.  While she and Randell had no children, the nieces and nephews were considered partly their children.  In March of 2006, Esther received a Golden Certificate of Nursing from the Missouri Board of Nursing for having been licensed for 50 plus years. 

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Randell; brothers, Charles (Ethel Louise) Crisman and Warren (Marjorie) Crisman. Survivors: nieces, Terry Walter of Kansas City, Lela (Jim) Colligan of Michigan, Delores Parks of Lee’s Summit, Wanda Blakely Williams, Martha Leone of Texas and Rhonda Thomas; nephews, Robert (Colleen) Shannon of Springfield, MO, Kenny Blakely and Larry Blakely; other extended family members also survive. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in care of the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, March 26th, 2021 at Buckner Hill Cemetery in Buckner, MO.  There is no scheduled family visitation. Friends may call from 11 AM to 5 PM, Thursday at Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Lathrop, MO. (816) 740-4658. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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