Esther Florence Linnea (Sundell) Shaffer, 80 of Urbana went home to be with her Savior at 10am, April 3rd, 2011 at home with her family. Esther was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Urbana Illinois where she will be missed by all including the children who loved her so.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 2106 E. Windsor Road, Urbana Illinois on Wednesday, April 6, 2pm. Pastor Gary Gritton presiding.

Esther Sundell was born March 30, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois the daughter of Eric Ivar Thorsten Sundell and Helga Elvira Bokvist/Boquist. She married George Francis Graham October 28, 1950 and Clifford Layton Shaffer February 20, 1980. She spent a large portion of her years living in the Merrill, Wisconsin area.

Survivors include five children, George (Carol) Graham of Akron IN, Johnnie Graham of Irma WI, Dennis Graham of Carmichael, CA, Kathleen (Steve) Gremler of Merrill, WI and Ann (Jerry) Schotz of Philo, IL. Surviving siblings include Elsa Higgins of Merrill, WI, Ellen Lavelle of South Bend, IN, Eric (Sis) Hysing of Queen Creek, AZ and Edward Hysing of Costa Rica. Also several grand children, great grand children, nieces and nephews will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step father Eric Hysing, her son Patrick Thomas Graham, her husband Clifford and her sister Marie (Leroy) Degner.

Esther enjoyed spending time with her family and was very involved with her local grandchildren Paul and Sara. Esther enjoyed her time with her church family where she served on food committees and the prayer chain. She also enjoyed grocery shopping, clipping coupons, reading recipes, cooking, western books, dogs, eating out and playing cribbage. In her later years, even while money was limited, she purchased candy for the children at church for which they returned much love.

The family sincerely thanks the staff at Prairie Winds and the Provena/Christie Medical and Hospice staff for their compassionate care of Esther.

Condolences can be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

Memorial gifts can be made to Calvary Baptist Church of Urbana, Illinois.