KEARNEY - Esther I. Boyd, 99, of Kearney died June 15, 2006, at the Mother Hull Home in Kearney.

She was born Oct. 13, 1906, to Arthur and Jenny Fitch Hicks at the family farm near Farnam. She grew up in Farnam and graduated from Farnam High School in 1924. She later attended Kearney State Teachers College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1959.

In 1929, she married Harlan E. Whitacre. He died in 1933. She then married Ferris Boyd on April 2, 1936, in North Platte.

Mrs. Boyd taught school in Farnam, Lexington, Curtis and North Platte. She taught for 27 years retiring in 1968. Ferris died in 1978 and she moved to Kearney in 1981.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Open Circle Sunday school class and the United Methodist Women. She was also a 76-year member of the Eastern Star, a member of the Retired Teachers Association, Literacy Council, Federated Women's Club and a 58-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She also did volunteer work at the Good Samaritan Hospital.

Esther enjoyed fishing, traveling, painting, needlework, playing cards, and had a compassion for helping people.

Survivors include a son, Don Whitacre of Kearney; a daughter-in-law, Doris Whitacre of Kearney; five grandchildren, Bruce Whitacre of New York, Kent (Joann) Whitacre of Bellevue, Mark (Renee) Whitacre of Kearney, Scott (Debbie) Kelso of San Diego, and Brady (Beth) Kelso of San Diego; and two great-grandchildren, Samantha and Adam Whitacre of Kearney.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands, and a stepdaughter, Donna Kelso.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Churches in Kearney and Curtis, and the Fremont Masonic Children's Home. Condolences may be shared at www.hlhmortuary.com.

Services will be at 1 p.m. today at the First United Methodist Church in Kearney with the Rev. Dr. Marvin Koelling officiating. Graveside services and burial will be at 3:30 p.m. today at the Farnam Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to services today at the church.

Eastern Star ritual services will be at the church by Tuscan Chapter 35 OES.

Horner-Lieske-Horner Mortuary in Kearney is in charge.

North Platte Telegraph, 20 June 2006