Esther Pillard

Esther Crawford Pillard, age 99, peacefully departed this life on March 8, 2025 embracing the promise of eternal rest with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A Mass will be held 10:30 am on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. Visitation will be one hour prior to her service at the church. Burial will follow in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Tama.

Esther was born on October 12,1925 in Mingo, Iowa, moving to Tama when she was two years old. She was a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and the Tama community. Esther was known for her unwavering faith, boundless love, and a life dedicated to serving others.

Because of her devotion to the military and her service to veterans, Esther became a lifetime member and former President of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW Auxiliary where she worked and gave her time to selling poppies. Esther was very proud of her medical training and completing the necessary requirements to volunteer with the Tama Ambulance Service, graduating in the same class with her friends Maralyn Hotchkiss, Helen Pieper, Sue Sturtz, and Sharon Brezina. This volunteering adventure was in direct response to the request of Esther’s beautiful friend Anna Rose Blayer. Being a true believer in education, Esther sacrificed so her sons could attend college and at 70 years of age she received her GED the same year that her granddaughter graduated from high school.

Throughout her nearly century-long journey, Esther exemplified the virtues of kindness, humility, and devotion. Her commitment to her faith was evident in every aspect of her life, from her active participation in church activities to the countless hours she spent volunteering and supporting those in need. Esther’s legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Pillard; son, Mikey; sisters, Gertrude Pates, Della Flowers, and Maxine Varner; brothers, Edgar Crabtree, and Joseph Crabtree; and her mother, Josie Crabtree Norris.

She is survived by her sons, Rick (Connie) Crawford, Chattanooga, TN and Joe (Linda) Crawford, Davenport, FL; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Joanne Crabtree Sents, her faithful niece; dear friends Betty and John Hayek, Sharon and Bernie Brezina, and the staff at Premier Estates for the kindness and love they shared with our precious Esther.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Tama.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.