Esther White Sunderland

Born Esther Phyllis White in April 1930 to Robert and Luella White in Richmond, Indiana. Esther is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, James P. Sunderland, elder brother Stanley and survived by her fraternal twin Edwin of Richmond, Indiana.

Esther grew up in Richmond, Indiana and completed her education at Earlham College in Richmond.

Employed as a social worker in an Indianapolis, Indiana hospital in the early 1950s she met and later married James P. Sunderland in August 1954. Esther and James moved to James’ hometown, Kansas City, after their marriage and raised three sons Charles, Kenton and William who survive their mother. Esther enjoyed her role as the family matriarch with her nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She hosted the frequent family gatherings and enjoyed cooking her family favorites, introducing them to new generations of her family. Her Christmas cookies were an art form that may never be duplicated.

Always looking to help those less fortunate than her, Esther was civically active serving in volunteer and board roles with several nonprofits in the Kansas City area including Kansas City Young Matrons, Camp Fire, Crittenton Center and the Barstow School.

A member of the Colonial Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Esther continually sought ways to support the church and was grateful for the support of the congregation as she faced increasing challenges of aging.

A librarian by avocation, Esther enjoyed volunteering in the libraries of the Barstow School and the Crittenton Center helping students with research projects and locating reading materials.

A private ceremony will be held for the family following the lifting of pandemic restrictions on gatherings and travel.