As I think about the life of our mother, Esther Marguerite Kalebaugh, Proverbs 31:28-30 comes to mind, “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”. My brother and I celebrate the life of our mom, whose existence was a testament to her unwavering faith, her boundless love, and the impact she had on all who knew her.
Esther was born on June 24, 1930 in Kansas City, Kansas to Isaac and Margaret Goldberg. She was baptized in the Methodist church where she, as a teenager, played the piano for services. She attended Jr. College where she met the love of her life, Howard Kalebaugh and they were married on May 25th 1955. Mom was a picture of a true partner, for she embodied the virtues of patience, respect, and selfless commitment. Her marriage was a living example of the scriptural command to love and to cherish, a covenant she upheld with grace and devotion. Together with my dad, they built a home that was a place where faith was nurtured and where God’s love was evident in every interaction. Mom was deeply involved in her church; whether it was her role in the church choir, her participation in LWML, quilting circle, altar guild, Katie’s Sisters, Bible study or just doing what needed to be done, she served with a heart full of joy and a spirit of generosity. Mom’s faith was her foundation, sustaining her through life’s trials and tribulations.
She faced challenges with a resilience that came from her trust in God’s plan and by her example she taught us to do the same. Thank you, Mom, for the love you gave, the faith you shared, and for the lessons you taught. Rest in the loving arms of your Savior, your journey on this earth is complete, but your spirit and legacy will forever dwell in our hearts.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Howard Kalebaugh, and her son-in-law Gary Stauch. She leaves behind her son, David Kalebaugh (Tammy), her daughter Susan Stauch and a loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren, and a multitude of friends to cherish her memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Basehor, Kansas.
