Esther Margaret Steen

She was born in Queens, New York, a daughter of the late Edward and Esther (Schroeder) Wendt.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Morton Steen, and sons Raymond and Mark Steen.

She leaves behind her daughter, Karen Zook and husband, J Irvin Zook, of Belleville, and daughter, Kathy Summers of Duncanville, TX. Grandchildren Terri Thompson and husband, Kevin, of Petersburg, Pa. Christy Schelenberg and husband, David, of Detmold, Germany, Angela Esh and husband, Steve of Reedsville, Jeffrey Zook and wife, Carrie, of Belleville, Eric Steen and wife, Jordan, of Windfield, Derek Summers and wife, Jennifer, of Duncanville, TX. Joshua Summers, and Brandon Summers and wife, Trisha, of Duncanville, TX. Two are deceased.

She was blessed with 24 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Abrams, and two deceased brothers, George Bull, Ronald Hagan, and Bruce Strindberg, who survives.

Esther spent her life in service to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ as a missionary with African Inland Mission both in the Belgian Congo and Kenya, and later with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Colombia, South America.

She was faithful in her commitment to Wycliffe and remained with them until her passing.

Esther was a devout Christian and a powerful prayer warrior. For the past eight years, as she lived in Belleville, she attended the Locust Grove Mennonite Church in Belleville.

She enjoyed teaching adult classes and playing the piano. She was a volunteer at the local thrift and gift Store. She enjoyed working outdoors in her flower beds, piecing puzzles, and studying God’s word. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, at the Locust Grove Mennonite Church.