Esther Wilhemina Emma Halsey, 95, of Sterling, passed away Jan. 11, 2012, in Sterling. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home, with Jerry Marshall officiating. Services will conclude at the funeral home.

Esther was born March 18, 1916, in Emerald, Neb., to Wilhelm F. and Clara L. (Heidtbrink) Deinert.

She is survived by her son, Charles W. Blehschmidt of Sterling; daughter, Sandra K. Stark of Sterling; step-daughter, Gail Atkinson of Broomfield; granddaughters, Jennifer Thompson and husband Terry of Ogallala, Neb., Heather Willis of Lakeville, Minn., Deanne Stark of Sterling, Kim Stark of Sterling; grandson, Kevin Stark and wife Aundrea of Bozeman, Mont.; great-grandchildren, Lucas Freston, Arora Thompson, Ciera and Justin Willis, Gabe and Nathan Bahr, Thomas and Christopher Stark, Jacob, Matthew and Joseph Stark; and niece, Clara Wambgnass and many others.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Burton Blehschmidt and husband, C.W. "Bill" Halsey; parents, Wilhelm and Clara Deinert; sister, Wilma Dick; daughter, Susan Olson; and grandson, Thomas "Tommy" Stark.

Memorials may be made to First English Lutheran Church Friendship Circle or VFW Ladies Auxiliary.