Esther Laughlin Steen

ESTHER JANE LAUGHLIN STEEN, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, and resident of Mobile, Alabama since 1959, died Monday, March 28, 2016 at North Mobile Nursing Home. Esther graduated from Central High School, KCMO,1951, and attended Missouri Valley College, Marshall, MO, where she met William W. Steen. They were married 38 years before Bill’s passing in 1991. Esther was a longtime member of Central Presbyterian and then Spring Hill Presbyterian Church in Mobile. She held Deacon and Elder positions, was active in Women of the Church, taught Adult church classes, and was a faithful choir member.As a Girl Scout lifetime member, Esther was involved in every leadership role from Troop Leader, Adult trainer, Board of Directors, Day Camp Staff and Scoutshire Woods Camp Staff. She was also a Red Cross Canoe Instructor and was recognized with numerous scouting awards including the Thanks Badge, the highest award given to volunteers. Esther grew up in the Linwood Presbyterian Church, KCMO. She wrote the recognized “Linwood Presbyterian Church History, 1890-1975,” which was published in 1995. She was a highly respected and accomplished harpist in Mobile where she played for weddings, funerals, retirement homes, numerous holiday celebrations and Bellingrath Gardens. She gave private harp lessons and was a member and past president of the Gulf Coast Harp Society. Additionally, she was a 15 year hostess for the International Student Services VISIT program for foreign graduate students.Esther is survived by her brother, David M. Laughlin Jr. of St. Louis, MO, sister, Ruth M. Laughlin of Kansas City, MO. Two daughters, Carolyn S. Wikle (Tad) of Mobile, Wendy S. Wammack (Mike) of Birmingham, and one son, David W. Steen (Lynette) of Saraland. Six grandchildren, Ryan Wikle (Courtney), Ashley Wikle, Joe Wammack, Sally Wammack, Eric Steen, Jessica Steen, and one great grandchild, Olivia Grace Wikle.Graveside service will be held at Serenity Memorial Gardens on Saturday, April 9th, 2016, at 11 am. Everyone will meet and line up at Serenity Funeral Home for graveside service by 10:55 am. Memorial service will be held Saturday, April 9th, 2016, at 1 pm from Spring Hill Presbyterian Church in Mobile, with reception following. The family will receive visitors in the church sanctuary from 12 pm until service time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Hill Presbyterian Music Department, 10 Westminster Way Mobile, Al. 36608.

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Esther Laughlin Steen

October 4, 1933 - March 28, 2016