ESTHER V. SCHEEPSTRA, age 86, of Worthington, died Friday, January 5, 2018 at the Sanford Worthington Medical Center. She was born October 26, 1931, in Wilmont, to Henry and Helen (Heidebrink) Luitjens. Esther grew up and attended a rural school near Wilmont. After her schooling, she worked at Ben Franklin and she stayed at home and helped care for her family.

Esther married Clarence Scheepstra on July 14, 1955, at the Bethel Presbyterian Church in Reading. After their marriage, the couple moved to Sacramento, CA where Clarence was stationed. After Clarence was discharged in 1956, the couple moved back to his parent’s farm in rural Worthington. In 1988, the couple bought an acreage east of Worthington. Several months after Clarence's death on October 5, 2008, Esther became a resident of the Okabena Towers.

She was a member of the American Reformed Church in Worthington where she was active in Bible Study, Prayer Chain and helping with Bible school. Esther was Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary. She volunteered at Pioneer Village, the Library Book Sale and the Hospice House. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, embroidery, puzzles and reading books.

Esther is survived by her three children, James (Pamela) Scheepstra, Worthington; Carolyn (Steven) Lindquist, Granite Falls; Michael (Denise) Scheepstra, Wahpeton, ND; three grandchildren, Heidi (Bob) Ramsdell, Heather Lindquist, and Michelle Scheepstra; one great-grandson, Connor Ramsdell; two step grandsons, Vance Grave and Christopher (Darci) Grave; one step great-granddaughter, Megan Ramsdell; a step great-great-grandson, Abel Kirschbaum; three brothers, Delbert Luitjens, Des Moines, IA; Henry (Ida) Luitjens, Worthington; and Dennis (Colleen) Luitjens, Worthington; and a sister, Helen Markman, Worthington.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; an infant daughter; two brothers, LeRoy and Cecil Luitjens; and one sister, Arliss Luitjens.

   Visitation will be Monday January 8, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington. Visitation will continue from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 9, at American Reformed Church in Worthington with Pastor Tim Truesdell officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Worthington.

Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of arrangements.

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