Esther Mae Reighard

Esther Mae Reighard, 88, of Fairfield, died Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield. She was born Sept. 1, 1930, in Richland to Leo Peter and Ethel Julie (Mallinger) Hahn. Esther grew up in Richland and graduated from Richland High School in1947. She worked at Fairfield Glove before her marriage to John Leonard Reighard Sept. 30, 1950, in Keota.

Esther and her husband moved around the state to several different towns, including: West Point, Brighton, Columbus Junction, Richland, New London, Winfield, Monroe and Fairfield. Her career went on to include working for the Variety Store, Monroe Locker and as the manager for Casey’s General Store for more than 10 years before retiring. She is a member of the Methodist church and spent many hours volunteering for and enjoying the social life of Bon Appetite, South Gate Association, Jefferson County Hospital Axillary and Tuesday Morning Coffee Group.

Esther is survived by her four children, Charles (Susan) Reighard of New London, Nancy Reighard of Colfax, Robert (Bonnie) Reighard of Fairfield and Linda (Brian) Tolle of Ogden, 10 grandchildren and spouses; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Richard (Dee) Reighard of St. Peters, Mo., and Dewey McLerran of Donnellson; and sister-in-law, Shelia Hahn of Fountain Valley, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one sister, Lois McLerran; four brothers, Herbert Hahn, Raymond Hahn, Lee Hahn and Ronald Hahn; a great-granddaughter, Jaycee Hesseltine; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held Friday, May 24 at Richland Friends Cemetery with Rev. Beth Harbaugh officiating. Memorials may be made to the Richland Friends Cemetery, Clean Up Committee and mailed to the family at 1344 Jasmine Ave., Fairfield, IA, 52556. Gould Funeral Home of Richland is in charge of arrangements.