Esther Barbara Calk

Born on October 13, 1926, in Hays, Kansas, Esther was the daughter of Albert and Adamine Keller. She was named after Queen Esther from the Bible, a name she carried with grace, faith, and quiet strength throughout her life.

After graduating high school at 16, she attended Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kansas and began a distinguished 27 year career as civil servant working for the Department of Army Supply, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and concluded her career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She received 2 Commanders Awards for Civil Service. Her dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside her.

A woman of deep Christian faith, Esther was a longtime member of Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington, TX. Over the years at several other Lutheran Churches she served as a Sunday School teacher, was active in the Altar Guild, and supported the church through its memorial and endowment ministries. She volunteered 3000 hours at Arlington Memorial Hospital providing newborn picture information to new mothers and provided assistance wherever needed.

Esther embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She loved to travel, taking memorable cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal, she visited Europe three times as well as exploring much of the United States. Her refrigerator, covered with magnets, became a colorful reminder of the places she visited and the memories she treasured.

She found happiness as well watching Family Feud and Everybody Loves Raymond, and she was an enthusiastic Texas Rangers fan who rarely missed a televised game. During many games, she and her son would call one another to discuss the team’s performance and share their opinions on how they would manage the Rangers.

Esther treasured time spent with friends and neighbors. She looked forward to monthly gatherings with the Neighborhood Supper Club and enjoyed participating in Advent Lutheran Church’s Fun for Lunch Bunch and many other senior activities. One of her greatest joys was dancing, she took ballroom dancing lessons in her seventies. Whether dancing across a ballroom floor or simply enjoying music, she carried that joy with her throughout her life.

Esther will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, adventurous heart and genuine kindness. She leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and cherished memories that will continue to inspire all who knew her. After the untimely passing of her husband, she became a pillar of strength and unwavering love for her children, guiding them with courage and devotion. She was always there with a listening ear, wise advice and unconditional love for her grandchildren. Esther was the heart of our family, our beloved matriarch and no one will take her place.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Albert & Adamine Keller, brother Raymond Albert Keller, sister Louise Marie Keller, husband James Bryant Calk, and son Thomas Albert Calk. Traveling companion & cousin Helen Zachman Fenton.

She is survived by her daughter, Ellen Calk Page; daughter in law Mary Calk, Grandchildren: Bryant Page, Hillary Esparza, Alexandra Esparza, Payton Calk and great-granddaughter Mariana Trejo.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 6 from 6-8 pm at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 N. Davis St, Arlington Texas. She will be laid to rest in Ellis, Kansas.