Esther Maryanna Margaret (Gerber) Huslig was born on October 5, 1917, in Hooker, Oklahoma, to Leo Jacob Gerber and Katherine Frances (Hoffman) Gerber. The family soon moved to Fowler, Kansas, where Esther grew up as the fourth of twelve children. She attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School and Grandview County School and graduated from Fowler High School in 1936.
Esther married Louis “Louie” Huslig on September 22, 1938. Together they raised three daughters on the family farm: Joyce, Elvera “Ellie,” and Sylvia. Joyce (born 1940) became an RN and married Larry Marak. Ellie (born 1943) also became an RN and married Ron Darner and, later, Norm Parker. Sylvia (born 1950) became a cosmetologist and married Larry Boyd.
After Louie’s passing in 1991, Esther moved from Fowler to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, in 1999 to be near her daughters. She celebrated her 100th and 105th birthdays with big parties, surrounded by family and friends.
Esther enjoyed sewing, quilting, embroidering, and cooking, and she loved playing pinochle every Wednesday at the Gamber Center. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Parish.
Esther is survived by her daughters, Joyce Marak and her husband, Larry, Elvera “Ellie” Darner, and Sylvia Boyd and her husband, Larry; six grandchildren, Liana (Chuck), Jon (Tracy), Kevin (Di), Dawn (Matt), Kelli (Russ), and Michael (Natalie); thirteen great-grandchildren, Jenna (Jordan), Amanda (Ryan), Jack, Kate, Abbie, Morgan, Hayden, Maddie, Ty, Trey (Ali), Samantha (Trevor), Wyatt, and Harper; eight great-great-grandchildren, Paige (Gage), Brendan, Jordan, Zoe, Willow, Luna, Thomas, and Olivia; and one great-great-great-grandchild, Rome.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; her parents, Leo and Katherine Gerber; and her siblings, Clemens, Leona, Irene, Arthur “Bud,” Estella, Catherine, Leo Jr., Daniel, Pauline, Gerald, and Joan.
The family sends heartfelt thanks to the friends and family who have offered such generous support, prayers, and comfort during this time.
A Rosary will begin at 9:45am, followed by a visitation, Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Our Lady of the Presentation Parish, 130 NW Murray Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64081.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in her memory to the Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145.
