Esther M. Orr

Esther Margaret (Smith) Orr

Born June 10, 1929 in Omaha, Nebraska

Died September 1, 2017

Esther Margaret (Smith) Orr 88, formerly of Omaha died September 1, 2017 at Heritage of Bel-Air in Norfolk, Nebraska.

Esther was baptized in 1929 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church near Hoskins, Nebraska. She lived in several Nebraska and Iowa towns during her childhood. She and Clinton were married at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Omaha in 1947 and shared their love for 66 years. Esther taught Sunday School, played guitar for services and programs, was active in and awarded an honorary life membership to Presbyterian Women. She served with her husband as Skippers of the church Mariners group, and both guided their five children by their example on how to live their Christian faith.

Esther demonstrated her love for God, her husband, family and community. She was a dedicated home-maker, she valued education, and was involved in her husband and children’s interests. She was a past commander of the Wives of Submarine Veterans of WWII, volunteered as a Camp Fire Girls leader for many years, diligently sewed Cub Scout and Girl Scout badges on uniforms, and was a creative seamstress making clothes and costumes. In 1998, she was awarded the Admiral of the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska certificate by Governor Ben Nelson for her patriotism. Esther’s talents included china painting, embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and quilting. After the children were grown, she enjoyed two trips to England with her husband to visit friends.

Esther loved music, especially playing the Hawaiian and Spanish guitars. Her first recital was at the age of 8 at the Honolulu Conservatory of Music in Omaha where she later taught and became co-manager. At age 16, with support from her mother, she opened the Aloha Isle Guitar Studio where she taught guitar, enjoyed performing with her students, and judging competitions in the region. She graduated from Omaha Technical High School in 1946, and studied business at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After the youngest child started school, Esther was employed as a cafeteria worker for the Omaha Public Schools, retiring in 1994. During retirement she volunteered at the neighborhood Salvation Army store, continued serving the community through church projects, enjoyed her flower gardens and spending time with grandchildren.

Esther is preceded in death by her parents, Edward C. and Leta J. Smith; husband, Clinton J.H. Orr; daughter, Karen (Orr) Conoan; sisters, Edna Postlewait and Evelyn Smith; brother, Edward D. (Eddie) Smith; brother-in-law Jack Postlewait; mother-in-law Ruth A. Orr, sister-in-law & brother-in-law Ann and Wilford C. Orr, brother-in-law W.L (Pat) Jacobs.

Survived by her aunt, Margie Meyer (Wahoo, NE.), sister-in-laws Beverly Smith and Jennie Jacobs; four children, Lynne (Teri) Orr, Sue (Donald) Buryanek, John (Kerri) Orr, Tom Orr, and son-in-law John Conoan, NE. 27 grandchildren, 25 Great-grand-children, nieces & nephews.

Visitation Thursday before service, Funeral Service Thursday (9/7/17)10:30 AM at Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th Street Omaha, NE. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd. Omaha, NE. Memorials to the family to be designated later.