Esther Been

Esther Tant Been, 98, of Webster Groves, Mo., formerly of Jackson, died Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011, at Laclede Groves Lutheran Convalescent Home in Webster Groves.

She was born Jan. 10, 1913, in Fruitland, to Victor Ossian and Amy Caroline Barber Tant. She and Walter P. Been were married May 23, 1940. He died Feb. 2, 2000.

Esther graduated from Fruitland High School and Southeast Missouri State University. She taught school in Puxico, Mo., Esther, Mo., and Festus, Mo., before her marriage, and later held a position with the state Social Security Commission.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. She served as chairman of Esther Circle many years, and in 1979 was awarded life membership in Presbyterian Women.

Survivors include a son, Rodney K. (Elaine) Been, and a granddaughter, Kathryn Anne, all of St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by her husband and a sister, Mildred Tant McDowell of Charleston, Mo.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to service time Friday at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery at Fruitland.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Hill Cemetery Association.