Esther Lelia Lantis

Esther Lelia Lantis, 90, passed away Monday, October 6, 2014, at her home in Ottawa, Kansas, with her family by her side. Cremation is planned. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 10, 2014 at Centropolis Christian Church. Inurnment Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, with military honors by U.S. Navy Honor Guard Esther was born Thursday, November 1, 1923, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Paul C. and Lucy E. (Hazen) Pritchard. She was a lifelong Ottawa resident, graduating from Ottawa High School with the class of 1941. Esther served in the United States Navy during World War II from November 1, 1943 until December 23, 1945, attaining the rank of Hospital Apprentice First Class. She received the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon, Victory Medal and American Theater Ribbon. She was united in marriage with Richard L. Lantis August 24 1946, in Ottawa. He survives of the home. Other survivors include her two children, Calvin Lantis and wife Carol Ann; and Judy Kelsey and husband Karl all of Ottawa; siblings, Philip Pritchard and wife Dorothy of Pomona; Jim Pritchard and wife Evaline of Ottawa; Ruth Eichman of Topeka; and Alice Valentine of Garnett; four grandchildren, Barbara Fisher and husband Jim of Paola; Dan Fehling and his wife Tori of Richmond; Leigh Ann Moore of Ottawa; and Paul Lantis and wife Jessica of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Bill Pritchard. She was a devoted lifelong homemaker and member of the Centropolis Christian Church. The family suggests memorial contributions to Centropolis Christian Church Building Fund c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on Mrs. Lantis’ Celebration Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.