Mabel E. Esping

Mabel Elisabeth (McCoy) Esping, 79, of McPherson, a kind and caring wife, mother, grandmother, relative, and friend, passed away at her home on Wednesday, June 6, 2012.

She was born February 7, 1933, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, the daughter of Archie Buel and Zella Lucille (Dodd) McCoy. She spent her early years in Oklahoma where she completed her elementary education. Later, she moved to Abilene, Kansas to live with her Aunt Bernadine and Uncle John McCoy where she graduated from Abilene High School in 1952.

Upon completing high school, Mabel and a friend moved to McPherson to seek employment. She first did office work at the Gambles Store and then in the accounting department at NCRA. She met Earl Esping in 1952 and a year later he was drafted in the Army. While on leave from the service in July in 1954, Mabel and Earl were engaged. They were married on September 18, 1955, by Rev. Harold Herndon at the First Christian Church in McPherson.

Mabel became very active at Trinity, serving in the Altar Guild, Sunday School Supervisor, Reception Committee, (WELCA) Woman of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, and Naomi Guild.

Upon arriving in McPherson, Mabel played on a woman's softball team and for several years bowled on a local team. Mabel was a member of the Jolly Jills EHU Unit. She enjoyed watching sporting events, especially of the grandkids playing football, baseball, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and also attending games of KC Royals, Chiefs, KU, and KSU football and basketball.

She is survived by her husband, Earl of the home; daughters Lori Gibson (Rob) of McPherson and their children Tanner Gibson and Jordi Sears (Andrew), Dana Oliver (Ed) of McPherson and their children Derek Oliver (Chelsi) and Lindsey Regier (Matt), John Esping (Jill), of Lindsborg and their children Andrew & Molli; and one great-grandson, Dayton Oliver. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Kay Roberts.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, June 11, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Burial will take place at the Elmwood Cemetery in Lindsborg at 9:00 AM on Tuesday June 12, with funeral service following at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 119 North Elm, McPherson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or Hospice & Homecare of Reno County, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mabel E. Esping please visit our Sympathy Store.