Esther Strader

Esther Strader, 77, of Danville, passed away at 12:05 a.m. Friday, April 6, 2007 at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. Esther was born on September 12, 1929 in Danville, Illinois, the daughter of Walter A. and Madge (Warner) Divan. She married Robert E. Strader on January 20, 1951 in Danville at Holy Family Church. He survives. She is also survived by her three sons- Robert (Ann) Strader Jr. of Portland, Oregon, Tim (Cathy) Strader of Bloomington, Illinois, and Chris (Betsy) Strader of Danville; two daughters- Laurie (Gary) Dickerson of Rockford, Illinois and Beth (John) Lashbrook of Danville, Illinois; two brothers- Walter (Debbie) Divan of Columbus, Indiana and David (Wini) Divan of Irving, Texas; one sister- Virginia (Richard) Stewart of St. Petersburg, Florida; one nephew- Scott Strader of St. Petersburg, Florida; eleven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several other nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her special friends from the Sweet Adelines and Misako Wasson of Rossville, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, one nephew- Steve Divan and one sister-in-law- Peggy Divan. Esther graduated from Danville High School in 1947. She worked for 28 years at Towne Machine as an executive secretary, until she retired in 1994. She was a member of St. Pauls Catholic Church. Esther was a charter member for the Sweet Adelines, in which she was involved in for over 36 years. She was also a member of the YWCA, In Accordance Quartet, Faith in Action, and Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed spending her time volunteering at local elementary schools and reading to the children. Esther loved the Danville Light Opera, municipal band and anything else that involved music or dancing. She loved to listen to Dixieland jazz. Esther enjoyed traveling all over the world and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most of all Esther loved life and being around with her family and her friends. A Celebration of Life Mass for Esther M. Strader will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at St. Pauls Catholic Church, with Father Greg Nelson officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 " 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. A prayer service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Smile Train P.O. Box 96231 Washington D.C. 20090-6231 or to the donors choice. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.