Esther Grace Neher

Esther Grace Neher, 89, of Pierce City passed away June 14, 2021 while at her home in Pierce City. She was born in Cloud Chief, Okla. on Sept. 8, 1931; the daughter of the late John and Cora May (Miller) Merkey. She was united in marriage on Aug. 15, 1965 at Washita Church of the Brethren in Cordell, Okla. to Marvin Neher; he preceded her in death on Jan. 23, 2002.
She was an undergraduate at McPherson College in Kansas, Bethany Theological Seminary in Chicago and a masters of sociology from Drury. In 1973 Marvin and Esther moved to Pierce City and she became an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Monett where she taught Sunday School and worked in VBS.
Neher is survived by her children, Brian (Jennifer) Neher of Kansas City, Dwight (Janis) Neher of Pierce City, Evelyn (Tim) Whetstine of Cabool and Edwin (Starla) Neher of Cabool; nine grandchildren; brother, Dan (Mary) Merkey of Claremore, Okla.; cousin/brother, Donnie Merkey of the home and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and siblings, Isac Merkey, James Merkey, George Merkey, Edith Kiester, Vernon Merkey and Ella Merkey.
Visitation was held June 17, 2021 at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett. Funeral services were held June 18, 2021 at the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Chapel in Monett. Burial next to her husband Marvin followed at the Monett I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Monett.
Memorial donations may be made to the Etta Binder Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett.