Esther L. Marrs, age 98, of Paris passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at Horizon Health.

Esther was born July 16, 1923 in Paris, Illinois, the daughter of the late Lewis and Lula Thiel.  She graduated from Paris High School where she met her husband, Maurice Joseph Marrs.  They were married on July 28, 1946 in Paris, and he proceeded her in death on October 5, 1992.  Esther was a hardworking farm wife who made sure that her husband and sons were always well taken care of.  She also was employed at Colson's.  She was a member of the Bell Ridge Christian Church and took great pride in her faith and made it her life's mission to serve others.

Surviving are her sons and their families–Gary (Paula) Marrs, Larry (Bonnie) Marrs, and Wayne (Nancy) Marrs.  She was blessed to have seven grandchildren–Heather Dean, Thad (Maria) Marrs, Adam Marrs, Megan (Ryan) Carroll, Blake (Allyson) Marrs, Jessica (Aaron) Farris, and Tucker (Madison Neeley) Marrs.  Her biggest pride and joy came from her nine great-grandchildren–Asher Dean, Tyson and Sophia Marrs, Olivia, Maxwell, and Nolan Carroll, Will and Mason Marrs, and Nora Farris.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters-Irene Sidenbender, Mary Stickler, Ruth Donnell, and a brother Glen Thiel.

Esther was a woman who always put her family first.  She could have been found at every event her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were part of, whether it were football games, Eagle Scout programs, 4-H rabbit shows, FFA events, drama productions, softball games, basketball games, or cattle shows.  She took great pride in the fact that she was one of the first to participate in sports as a woman and loved to share stories about her time playing softball, basketball, and pole-vaulting.  She also was an avid weather watcher and kept tabs on anything going on with the family farm operation.  Her love for cooking and baking was enjoyed by all and she passed that love and knowledge to her family.  She was best known for her noodles and custard pies.

Services will be private. Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Bell Ridge Christian Church.