In Memory Of
Esther L. Gauntt
1923
2017
Esther L. Gauntt
July 7, 1923 — October 30, 2017
Lynn Gauntt passed away at the age of 94 on October 30, 2017. Lynn's family would like to share and celebrate her life.
Esther Linnea Johnson was born on July 7, 1923 on a small dairy farm near White City, Kansas.
She was the youngest daughter of Mr. Albin and Ellen (Tysell) Johnson. Her four siblings were: Roy Johnson-who later changed his name to Rev. David Roy, due to the name Johnson being such a common name in the Lutheran Seminary, Ruth Johnson-Mrs. Alvin Johnson, Russell Johnson-later changed to Rev. Russell Roy, and Ruby Williams-Mrs. Jack Williams.
Life on the Johnson family farm was lean and hard. In 1928, Albin died of peritonitis, leaving Ellen to take charge of the farm and her children.
Lynn recalled many stories of life on the farm during the depression era. Lynn was sent to school upon her father's death in order to stay warm-the family could not afford to keep the stove burning during the day when Ellen was out doing the farm chores. Lynn told of many cold nights when the small calves were brought into the house in order to keep them warm.
Esther graduated from White City High School in the spring of 1941. Going from the farm, one of her first jobs was a cashier at the Colonial Theater in Junction City, while living with her sister Ruth and her husband, Alvin Johnson.
While working for the Kansas Power and Light Co. in Junction City, she met and married her husband Herbert Gauntt, also from Junction City, on June 1, 1947. It was soon after her marriage to Herb, Esther became "Lynn", a nickname Herb gave to her upon their courtship. Lynn and Herb lived a wonderful and happy life together for almost 56 years. Herb preceded Lynn in death on April 2, 2003, due to complications of Alzheimer's Disease.
Lynn is survived by all four of her sons, five grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. They are: Stan Gauntt, Junction City, John Gauntt, Topeka, Jeff Gauntt, Gardner, and his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Kelly; their children, Reese and Austin; Jeff's daughter, Katie, her husband, Tyler Homewood and their daughter, Nora; and Bryan Gauntt and his wife Jan of Topeka, and their children David, Lyndsey, Derek and his wife Aubrey.
Family was the most important part of Lynn's life. Many family meals and gatherings will long be treasured.
Lynn's life outside of her home was wonderful and fulfilling. Her professional life included working for the Carl Ware Insurance Co. as an accountant; Gibson's as head bookkeeper, and Home Lumber as a bookkeeper. Upon retiring from Home Lumber, Lynn continued working as the Treasurer of the Geary County Senior Citizen's Center.
She decided to retire from that position just prior to her 90th birthday, but continued as a board member and loved going to lunch every day at the center.
Lynn was also very involved with the First Presbyterian Church, where she was an active member of 67 years. Her church life included being a Sunday School Teacher, a Deacon, and a Volunteer Nursery Attendant. Lynn was a member of Gamma Phi Sorority #1839 for over 60 years. Other interests that Lynn was involved in include the hospital auxiliary, the Hospital Gift Shop, and local hospice homecare, and being known to many children of Junction City as Grandma Lynn, whom she babysat.
Lynn was a sports enthusiast at every chance available. She attended as many baseball games of her sons and grandsons as she could. If there was a game to watched on television - baseball, basketball, football, or golf- Lynn would be watching.
Lynn was also a very fierce contract bridge player. She was a member of countless bridge clubs and looked forward to playing bridge at the Senior Center every Wednesday.
Lynn lived in her home of 50 years until her last days.
A gathering in her honor will be held at the Penwell-Gabel Junction City Funeral Chapel on Sunday, November 5, 2017, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Memorial services will be at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers-donations can be made in her name at the First Presbyterian Church, or the Senior Citizen's Center.
A life will lived. Good job Lynn, Good job.
Esther Linnea Johnson was born on July 7, 1923 on a small dairy farm near White City, Kansas.
She was the youngest daughter of Mr. Albin and Ellen (Tysell) Johnson. Her four siblings were: Roy Johnson-who later changed his name to Rev. David Roy, due to the name Johnson being such a common name in the Lutheran Seminary, Ruth Johnson-Mrs. Alvin Johnson, Russell Johnson-later changed to Rev. Russell Roy, and Ruby Williams-Mrs. Jack Williams.
Life on the Johnson family farm was lean and hard. In 1928, Albin died of peritonitis, leaving Ellen to take charge of the farm and her children.
Lynn recalled many stories of life on the farm during the depression era. Lynn was sent to school upon her father's death in order to stay warm-the family could not afford to keep the stove burning during the day when Ellen was out doing the farm chores. Lynn told of many cold nights when the small calves were brought into the house in order to keep them warm.
Esther graduated from White City High School in the spring of 1941. Going from the farm, one of her first jobs was a cashier at the Colonial Theater in Junction City, while living with her sister Ruth and her husband, Alvin Johnson.
While working for the Kansas Power and Light Co. in Junction City, she met and married her husband Herbert Gauntt, also from Junction City, on June 1, 1947. It was soon after her marriage to Herb, Esther became "Lynn", a nickname Herb gave to her upon their courtship. Lynn and Herb lived a wonderful and happy life together for almost 56 years. Herb preceded Lynn in death on April 2, 2003, due to complications of Alzheimer's Disease.
Lynn is survived by all four of her sons, five grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. They are: Stan Gauntt, Junction City, John Gauntt, Topeka, Jeff Gauntt, Gardner, and his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Kelly; their children, Reese and Austin; Jeff's daughter, Katie, her husband, Tyler Homewood and their daughter, Nora; and Bryan Gauntt and his wife Jan of Topeka, and their children David, Lyndsey, Derek and his wife Aubrey.
Family was the most important part of Lynn's life. Many family meals and gatherings will long be treasured.
Lynn's life outside of her home was wonderful and fulfilling. Her professional life included working for the Carl Ware Insurance Co. as an accountant; Gibson's as head bookkeeper, and Home Lumber as a bookkeeper. Upon retiring from Home Lumber, Lynn continued working as the Treasurer of the Geary County Senior Citizen's Center.
She decided to retire from that position just prior to her 90th birthday, but continued as a board member and loved going to lunch every day at the center.
Lynn was also very involved with the First Presbyterian Church, where she was an active member of 67 years. Her church life included being a Sunday School Teacher, a Deacon, and a Volunteer Nursery Attendant. Lynn was a member of Gamma Phi Sorority #1839 for over 60 years. Other interests that Lynn was involved in include the hospital auxiliary, the Hospital Gift Shop, and local hospice homecare, and being known to many children of Junction City as Grandma Lynn, whom she babysat.
Lynn was a sports enthusiast at every chance available. She attended as many baseball games of her sons and grandsons as she could. If there was a game to watched on television - baseball, basketball, football, or golf- Lynn would be watching.
Lynn was also a very fierce contract bridge player. She was a member of countless bridge clubs and looked forward to playing bridge at the Senior Center every Wednesday.
Lynn lived in her home of 50 years until her last days.
A gathering in her honor will be held at the Penwell-Gabel Junction City Funeral Chapel on Sunday, November 5, 2017, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Memorial services will be at the First Presbyterian Church on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers-donations can be made in her name at the First Presbyterian Church, or the Senior Citizen's Center.
A life will lived. Good job Lynn, Good job.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Esther L. Gauntt, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, November 5, 2017
4:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)
Johnson & Mass-Hinitt
Guestbook
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