Esther Ruth Augustine, the daughter of Marvin Robert and Nancy Lou Utterback Strasser, was born August 22, 1938, in Keswick, Iowa. She graduated from Gibson High School in 1956. Following high school, she worked for Bell Telephone in Des Moines. She married Keith Robert Augustine on December 14, 1957, at the Indianapolis Christian Church. Esther farmed beside her husband near Rose Hill. They were the proud parents of two children, Ruth Ann and Andy. She was a devoted mother to her children. She cheered them on in sporting events, led 4-H groups, took them to piano lessons and encouraged them to do their very best in every area of their lives.
Esther was a very active and faithful member of the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. Over the years, she has served as a women’s group leader, deaconess, elder, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. Esther was one of the original members of the Bell Choir. She and her husband were also the youth group leaders for several years, and she was able to watch many of those individuals grow in their faith and serve Christ at First Christian Church. Esther was also a member of the quilters group. Esther also volunteered in the community at the Mahaska County Hospital, Serenity House, and Homestead.
Esther passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Serenity House in Oskaloosa Iowa, at the age of 84 years, 9 months, and 12 days. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Keith.
Those who were blessed by her life include her children and their spouses, Ruth Ann and Bryan Meyer of Dittmer, Missouri, and Andy and Beth Augustine of Plymouth Minnesota, 10 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister and two brothers, Betty and Richard Armstrong of What Cheer, Iowa, Bob and Linda Strasser of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and Gary and Connie Strasser of Coon Rapids, Iowa, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Robert and Molly Goodrich officiating. Burial will be in the Indianapolis Cemetery near What Cheer. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 to greet friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the MHP Hospice Serenity House.
