Betty Ann Esker, 82 of Effingham, passed away at 6:50 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Willowbrook Memory Care in Effingham.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 21, 2016 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the church with a 6:30 p.m. rosary. Betty's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Anthony Schools.

Betty was born January 4, 1934 in Effingham, the daughter of George and Philomela (Althoff) Haarman. She married Frank Esker on August 18, 1956 and he survives. Before she was diagnosed with Alzheimers, Betty enjoyed gardening, line dancing, attending St. Anthony sporting events and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.

She is survived by her husband, Frank of Effingham; children, Dr. Alan (Pat) Esker of Freeport, Sue (Mark) Francis of Charlotte, NC, Kevin (Kelley) Esker of Effingham and Don (Becky) Esker of Cedar Rapids, IA; sister, Esther Walk of Effingham; nine grandchildren, Zach Esker, Jacob Esker, Joanna Esker, Robby Francis, Ryan Francis, Monica Francis, Alyson Esker, Madison Esker and Blake Esker; two great-grandchildren, Lilianna and James Esker; special friend and guardian angel, Mary Swingler.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Mary Esker Kyle and brother, George Haarman Jr..