Esther Inez Ploog passed away on March 25, 2017 in the arms of loved ones.

Esther was born May 25, 1924 to Katherina and John Christman, on the family farm in Adams County, ND. Esther was the 8th of 12 children.

Esther was a very pretty girl with brown natural curly hair. As a child, she loved the farm and especially enjoyed horseback riding. Esther attended Gilstrap Country School in Adams County. She then attended Lemmon High School. During her high school years, Esther lived in town with her older sister, Ida. Esther married Hugo Ploog September 15, 1946. They were married for 53 years when Hugo passed away in 2000. Esther's home was always open to family and friends. There was always a meal or sugary treat ready for anyone just stopping by. The highlight of her day was a game of cards with good friends. She taught the grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to be a good loser. She was not about to 'let' a great-grandchild win for the sake of winning. Esther kept the kids of Lemmon dressed in the best clothes while she worked at JC Pennys, Frymark's Clothing Store and the Lad and Lassie. She loved to embroider dish towels and they have become coveted treasures by family members.

Esther enjoyed baking, baseball, bowling, and canning. Esther was an avid reader and enjoyed the Lemmon Library. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. Esther loved her family and enjoyed spending time with all her kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Esther is preceded in death by her husband Hugo, her parents, her four brothers; Herb, Lester, Ed, Tuffy (AJ), her five sisters; Ida, Louise, Martha, Alma, and Elsie; and son-in-law Tom Snellman.
Esther is survived by sisters Tootie Larsen (John) and Irene Smith; her daughter Cheryl Snellman (Tom), daughter Nona Rens, son Barry Ploog (Pam); grandchildren: Stephanie Krueger (Erik), Stacey Fancher (Rick), Jennifer Herman (Lamont), Nicole Morrow (Jyal), Tracie Long (Judd), Elissa Kipfer (Nate), Talia Gasbarre (Chris), Aaron Ploog, Garrick Ploog, nineteen great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other friends and family who loved her.

The Memorial Service for Esther will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Lemmon on Saturday April 1, at 3:00pm. Pastor Carin Bear will officiate with burial in Greenhill Cemetery.