Esther Lea Highbarger Mattox

Esther Lea Highbarger Mattox was born July 28, 1934, to Cleo and Lydia (Shirley) Highbarger. She was the oldest of three children and grew up in Barry County with her younger brother, H.C. There was also a baby sister, who passed away shortly after birth. 

She graduated from Wheaton High School in 1953. She moved to Aurora in the summer of 1954 with her best friend, and they found work at the shoe factory. It was there that she met a young fellow who went by the initials “S.G.”  It must have been love at first sight, because they were married that year on Oct. 31. 

Just past her 40th birthday, and just shy of their 20th wedding anniversary, they had their only child. Colby Shelburn arrived in 1974, much to everyone’s surprise.

She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brother and sister. S.G., her husband of nearly 65 years, also preceded her.

She is survived by her son, Colby Shelburn and his wife, Angie, along with her granddaughters, Grace and Gillian. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Arlene.

A graveside service under the direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora.