Esther Burris, 89, of Russell, Kansas died on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Main Street Manor Nursing Center in Russell.

Esther was born on June 14, 1921 in Winterset Township, Kansas the daughter of David and Emma (Steinert) Kraft.  She attended country school in the Cromwell School system.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Homer Burris on September 21, 1946 in Russell, Kansas.  Homer took a job in Wichita, Kansas so the couple moved there in 1950.  When they decided to retire they moved back to Russell in 1986.  In her younger years, Esther worked as a waitress but after her and Homer married, she became a full time homemaker.  Esther enjoyed being a homemaker and was known for her wonderful cooking and spotless home.  She loved getting together with her family and close friends and also enjoyed spending time outdoors taking care of her yard.

Surviving family include her two brothers Gene Kraft of Bunker Hill and Herbert Kraft of Milberger, sister Edna Miller of Russell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Homer on May 2, 1993, infant son Jimmy, 3 brothers and 5 sisters.

A prayer service will be held at 7 P.M. on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with Pastor Amy Austin officiating.  Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with the family present to greet visitors from 6 PM to 7 PM Wednesday evening.  A private burial will be held at a later date in Blakley Cemetery in Madison, Kansas.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.