Esther Mae (Watson) Davis, of Cabool Missouri, went to be with the Lord and her beloved husband, George Davis, on May 26, 2011. She was the daughter of the late Pete and May Watson. She lived over 50 years in Fort Wayne and most recently in Hartville. At the time of her passing, she resided at the Kabul Nursing Home in Cabool, Missouri.
A small, feisty, opinionated little woman that wore a hat and gloves to church, aprons around the house, could butcher chickens, render lard, preserve foods, sew, garden, play solitaire, loved to shop, loved pretty things and drove like a maniac. She once told a police officer that had given her a ticket for speeding, that she would pay the ticket but hoped he got the money, bought something to eat with it and choked on the food. She loved the color pink and would have probably painted her house that color if George hadn''t stopped her.
Her opinion was that if you weren''t Presbyterian or Republican you were doomed. In more recent years she softened a little on religious issues but never the political.
She was a good neighbor, always willing to help; she was also a 4-H club leader, director of the church choir and worked as a volunteer in the church office.
She was an avid reader; reading and studying her Bible each day and she often had 2 or 3 other books "going" at the same time.
Her family being her first love; love for Christ; cooking, books and music was know to everyone.
She and George made their home in Fort Wayne during World War II when he was transferred there by Civil Service. She was a homemaker and she and her husband later ran a small hardware and small engine repair service business. She worked several years for the Fort Wayne Community School District. After George''s death in 1979, she remained in her home until her health no longer permitted. She moved to Hartville, Missouri to live with her daughter in 2009.
She was a longtime member of the Calvary Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne and most recently attended the Evening Shade Community Church north of Manes, Missouri until her health prevented her from attending services.
She became very fond of the staff at the nursing home where she was known as "Little Esther," having a big smile for them each day. They in turn showed a great amount of love.
She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Chris and Edd Higby of Hartville, Missouri; two grandchildren, Mike (Jeannette) of Higby of Mountain Grove and Laurie (Jerry) Fletcher of Hollister, Missouri; eleven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; ten nieces and nephews; her special friends, Jan, Marie and Alice all of Fort Wayne; and her cat, Tall-Tail.
She was preceded in death by two step-sisters; and by three sisters in law and their spouses.
Memorial service was 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at Craig-Hurtt Chapel in Mountain Grove, Missouri, with calling one hour prior to service.
She will be laid to rest at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Covington Memorial Gardens.