Esther Louise (Fritz) Jording passed away on Feb. 14, 2025, at Bethany Home in Salina, Kansas. She was born on June 12, 1930, in Indianola, Nebraska to Max and Alice (Fidnarick) Fritz. She graduated from Curtis Agriculture High School in 1949, and married Leonard Jording on Nov. 15, 1952, at Peace Lutheran Church in McCook, Nebraska
A career homemaker, Esther was known for her kindness, giving heart and desire to help others. She served as a nurse’s aide at Bethany Home and Windsor Estate, and could be found volunteering at Rolling Hills Zoo, Sunflower Adult Day Services and her church, Redeemer Lutheran in Salina, where she was an active member for 56 years.
On many a Sunday afternoon, Esther’s treats were the delight of churchgoers, including chocolate chip cookies, banana chocolate chip muffins and her famous homemade cinnamon rolls–a secret recipe that we truly hope doesn’t stay secret forever. Despite enjoying hundreds of rolls throughout the years, no one in the family managed to snag her special recipe, so if you happen to have it, please share!
In addition to her generosity, Esther’s strong spirit and determination to persevere no matter life’s circumstances served her well and inspired others who had the joy of knowing her. Esther’s mother had German Measles during her pregnancy, prompting more than 20 eye surgeries, illnesses and eventual total blindness for Esther later in life. And, in 2008, upon crossing the street on one of her many, beloved early morning walks, she was hit by a truck, resulting in a shattered hip and pelvis. But just eight days after surgery, Esther was already up on her feet at the parallel bars doing physical therapy.
On being tested in life, she replied, “You can give up when things happen or you can have faith and make up your mind it’s not going to be easy, but you can do it.” Her wise words characterized the way she walked through life and she will be remembered dearly for this and so much more.
Esther is preceded in death by her father, Max; mother, Alice; husband, Leonard; brother, George; and sister, Nelda Herzberg. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Crosby (Michael) of Nixa, Mo.; son, Kenneth Jording of Larned, Kan.; grandson, Shawn Crosby (Angie) of Springfield, Mo.; granddaughters, Jennifer Bonawitz of Salina, Kan., Cory Galindo (Gustavo) of Great Bend, Kan., Casey Jording of Great Bend, Kan., and Carli Villegas of Great Bend, Kan., great-grandsons Adrian Teasley and Gavin Bonawitz; niece Joyce Colvin (Richard) and sons Tanner and Logan; great-great-grandchildren Brexton, Sadie, Heidi, Kye, Cooper, Keegan, Keeley, Kaiden, Khali and Rhayna; and many wonderful friends.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 4-6 p.m. at Ryan Mortuary in Salina. Funeral services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Feb. 17 at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor David Strommen officiating and burial at Gypsum Hill Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, KS 67401.