Esther L. Debban

Esther L. Debban, 79, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday, February 25, 2013, at the University Of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She was born February 26, 1934, in Amherst, Nebraska, to Rudolph and Elsie (Sohrweid) Abels. Esther graduated from Amherst High School with the class of 1951, she then went on to further her education at Kearney State Teacher’s College and taught for one year in a rural school near Riverdale. She was united in marriage to Alan Debban on June 6, 1954, in Kearney, Nebraska. The marriage was blessed with seven children. She is a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran church in Lexington. She was confirmed June 15, 1947, and baptized March 18, 1934. Esther loved watching all sports, especially football, was an avid Husker fan and loved watching her grandchildren’s sporting events. Esther loved tending to her garden and flowers, and an occasional visit to the Casino to share pennies. Esther was a true rival when playing Scrabble, cards, and her computer games with her children and others. She was fondly remembered with several nicknames including; Auntie Estie, Grandma Du, G.G., Doodle, Mamasita, and of course, Mom. She is survived by her children; Pamela Debban of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Robin (Donn) Debban of Elwood, Nebraska; Dianna (Tim) Wheeler of Smithfield, Nebraska; Jackie (Erik) Rowan of Lexington, Nebraska; Bryan (Renee) Debban of Claremore, Oklahoma; Angela (Mike) Long of Council Bluffs, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Marvin (Betty) Abels of Amherst, Nebraska; Melvin (Del) Abels of Kearney, Nebraska; sister, Lola (Ray) Geiger of Papillion, Nebraska; nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alan in 1977; daughter, Cheryl Lou; and, granddaughters, Sandra Dawn and Erika Joy. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 28, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor Rob Kuefner officiating. Burial will be that same day at 2:00 p.m. at Kearney Cemetery in Kearney, Nebraska. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 27, 2013, from 5-8 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to the Erika Joy Rowan Foundation or the Donor’s Choice in her memory. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be in charge of arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.