Esther Mae (Ward) Wilkinson, 84, of Chelsea, IA passed away May 4, 2023 at Iowa River Hospice, Marshalltown, IA.

Esther was born March 14, 1939 south of Marengo, the daughter of William Adolphus and Mabel Maria (Kahler) Ward. She attended Fairview Elementary and graduated from Iowa Valley High School with Class of 1957; which had 57 graduates. She always said that is why the Staler Bros. made record of "the Class of 57." Esther was united in marriage to Ernie Wilkinson on December 5, 1959 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. They worked for different farmers for 10 years and finally made their home South of Chelsea in 1967. She was a hard worker, helping on the farm and milking cows for 30 years. Esther also worked for 28 years at the Marshalltown Redemption Center.

Esther enjoyed dancing, playing cards, feeding, and watching the birds. She took joy in mowing the yard and keeping a beautiful garden. Most of all she loved camping out and spending time with her two daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who she thought the world of.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Diane Sue (Todd Kriegel) Wilkinson of Tama, and Deborah Ann (Brian) Halverson of Toledo; two grandsons, Thomas (Angie) Halverson of Marshalltown, and Johnny Halverson of Freemont; and great grandchildren; siblings, Melvin (Jeanette) Ward of Blairstown, Dick (Patsy) Ward of Marengo, Orrin (Marilyn) Ward of Cedar Rapids, and Mary Ann Bulten of Marengo.

Esther is preceded in death by Ernie (2007); her parents; brother, Dean Ward; nephews, Cory Ward, and Troy Bulten.

Service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 9th 2023 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine, IA. Burial will take place at Rector Cemetery, Chelsea.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Monday, May 8th at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.neuhausfuneralservice.com