Esther Jane Siler

Esther Jane Siler, 93, of Robinson, IL, died January 1, 2022, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson. She was born March 30, 1928, in Lawrenceville, IL, the daughter of Clifford "Shorty" & Ollie (Garrard) Walters, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Don Siler on August 31, 1948, and he preceded her in death on May 20, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Betty McClure; by her brother, Bob Walters; daughter, Nancy Siler; by her nephew, Brad Siler; and by her niece, Debbi McClure Miller-Straus. She is survived by her daughters & sons-in-law, Connie & Bill Shipman (Elwood, IN), Terrie & Doug Cawood (Lawrenceville, IL); by her four grandchildren, Sara Shipman, Angie Lennen-Shipman, Lori & Tom Beattie, and Jenny & Michael Sgarella; by six great-grandchildren; by one-great-great-grandson; by her sister, Pat Saunders (Jacksonville, FL); as well as many nieces and nephews. Esther grew up in the Robinson area and was a graduate of Robinson High School. Though she worked for L.S. Heath & Sons for a time, her life was dedicated to tending to her house and all those who called it, "home". She and Don loved to dance and even ran "The Hut" in Robinson from 1964-1966. Together, they also ran K&J Rental in West Union, IL, for a decade before moving to Zapata, TX. Here, she became involved with the American Legion Post #486, where she was a past president. Anyone fortunate enough to know her could attest to the fact that she was a people-person, through and through. This fun-loving character left a mark on the hearts of her loved ones, and we will never forget her tenacity of spirit nor the strength she put on display in her final days. As per her wishes, she will be cremated, and a graveside service will be held on her birthday, March 30th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Robinson New Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.