Esther Hutchinson Leighton

Esther Irene Hutchinson Leighton age 86 of Newcastle passed away peacefully at the Brookhaven Extensive Care Nursing Home in Norman, OK. She was born at home on September 21, 1925, south of Rolla, Kansas in Morton County. She was the youngest of four children born to Henry Sullivan and Wilma (Lewis) Sullivan. Esther grew up in Rolla and graduated from Rolla High School in 1943. After H.S. that same year she met and later married a young Army Air Corp Soldier from Kentucky by the name of Daniel Boone Hutchinson. Esther met Daniel while he was stationed in Liberal, KS. Shortly after getting married, Daniel was sent oversea during WWII. He returned home after the war in 1946 and they soon started a family, raising two sons, Dannie and Chilles. Their first home was in Hugoton, KS before they moved back to Rolla. Esther worked as a homemaker and later got a job as a switch board operator. In 1955 her family moved to Ohio for seven years before moving back to Rolla in 1962, where the boys finished school. Unexpectedly in 1966, her Daniel died and three years later in 1969 Esther moved to Oklahoma City to be close to her sons. On August 31, 1973 Esther married Harold Leighton, three years later they moved to Newcastle to be close again to her sons and their families. Esther continued working as a Secretary until she retired. She loved her family and enjoyed baby sitting her grandchildren. She was a devoted Christian woman who enjoyed playing the organ and piano at church. In her later years she attended her son Chilles church in Newcastle, the Tri-City Worship Center. Some of her hobbies were gardening, canning, sewing, knitting and making all kinds of crafts. She was preceded in death by: Husbands: Daniel Boone Hutchinson in 1966 and Harold D. Leighton in 2007 Sister: Fern Bryant Two Brothers: Charles Sullivan and a infant brother She is survived by: Two sons: Dannie Lynn Hutchinson Sr. of Neodesha, KS Chilles Dean Hutchinson and wife Brenda of Newcastle Two step-sons: Tony Leighton and wife Birgit of CA Bill Leighton and wife Janyce of Lubbock, TX 5 grandchildren: Dannie Lynn Hutchinson Jr., Donnovan Lynn Hutchinson, Deonda Lynn Roberson and husband Michael, Layne Marie McVay and husband Justin, Paige Deann George and husband David 4 step grandchildren: Kristina, Shalynn, Benedict and Jessica Leighton 17 great grandchildren, 4 nieces and nephews And many other loving relatives and friends. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Tri-City Worship Center in Newcastle. A Graveside service will be at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at the Rolla Cemetery in Rolla, KS. Arrangements are with Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Newcastle. Memorials may be made to the Tri-City Worship Center, 3446 NW 24th, Newcastle, OK. 73065. Send online condolences to wilsonlittle.com

Esther Hutchinson Leighton

September 21, 1925 - May 11, 2012