Esther Elizabeth (Kull) Best, 86, of Lafayette, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family after a day filled with love, happiness, and “Wednesday Lunch with G’ma.”
She was born in Lafayette Home Hospital on December 24, 1934, to the late John Matthew and Frieda Johanna (Burkhardt) Kull. She was a 1952 graduate of Monitor High School and attended Valparaiso University. She married her best friend and love of her life, Donald Best at St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette on September 19, 1954. Donald has been waiting to walk hand-in-hand with her since August 22, 1996. They are now reunited in their heavenly home.
Esther was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, was Secretary of the Monitor Alumni, and was a founding member of the Buck Creek Pedal Pushers. She was a very proud homemaker, who loved taking care of her family. She also volunteered as a Girl Scout Leader, Lamp lighter, and with Tippecanoe County 4-H. She was an avid Cubs fan, enjoyed traveling, playing cards, and ancestry/genealogy. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, bicycling and playing softball in her younger years. She loved baking and would make her special yeast rolls for family and friends. Her family was so special to her and Esther cherished every moment with them and loved attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events.
She is survived by her 6 children, Karen (Donald) Walker of Rossville, Linda (Garth) Clark of Fairfax Station, VA, Steven (Valerie) Best of Battle Ground, Marsha (Timothy) Kern of Lafayette, Charles (Rene) Best of Lafayette, and Matthew (Eva) Best of Delphi; 21 grandchildren, Sabrina (Greg) Layton of Rossville, Adam Walker of Rossville, Rachel (Chad) Sterrett of Battle Ground, Robert Walker of Dayton, Kurtis Walker of Rossville, Alexander Clark of Fairfax Station, VA, Katrina Clark of Fairfax Station, VA, Steven A. (Chelsea) Best of Lafayette, Cory (Samantha) Best of Indianapolis, Megan (Stephen) Fox of Indianapolis, Casandra (Mark) Nelson of Lafayette, Kim (Jimmy) Turpin of Indianapolis, Mariah Morris of Lafayette, Sean Best of Dallas, TX, Daniel Kern, Michael Kern, Jessica Kern, William Kern, and Kaitlin Best all of Lafayette, and Baylee Best and Noah Best of Delphi; 17 great-grandchildren, Andrew and Gabriel Walker, Avery and Brielle Layton, Owen, Isabelle and Colton Sterrett, EmmaGrace, Bryson, and Mara Best, Lennox and Hendrix Fox, Bradley, Cameron, Alex, and Jada Williamson, and Raven Turpin; Sister-in-Law, Sandra Kull; Brother-in-Law, Charles Robert (Bonnie) Best; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Along with her husband, Donald and her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Arthur & David Kull.
Memorial contributions in Esther’s name may be given to St. James Lutheran Church.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Monday, March 15, 2021 at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.
Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at St. James Lutheran Church, 800 Cincinnati Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 with Pastor David French officiating.
Interment will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, 1718 W. 350 North, West Lafayette, IN 47906.