ESTHER M. HAMBLEN

Esther M. Hamblen, 82, of Raymore, MO passed away November 14, 2015. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore, Missouri. A second visitation will be 12-2 PM Thursday, November 19, 2015, at Randall Funeral Home in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, with burial in Rockey Glen Cemetery, Adamsville, Pennsylvania to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Western Missouri/Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org); Blue Moon Cat Sanctuary (valleyofthebluemoon.net); or Wayside Waifs (wayside waifs.org).

Esther was born December 11, 1933, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the daughter of Jesse and Neta (Kilgore) Buffham. Living in many in many cities during her childhood, she permanently located in the Kansas City area in the early 60s. Her first residence was a rental in the neighborhood around 51st and Tracy, and her landlords introduced her to her future husband, whom she married in August 1964. They made Lee's Summit their home in 1970. She worked over 30 years as a Tax Examiner for the IRS before retiring in the early 2000s and later relocating to Raymore.

She adored horses and cats, and had a deep love of and empathy for all things natural and wild. She had very fond memories of working with the horses on an Amish farm during her childhood. There was always a pet in her home, and the creatures were always rescues who gave her much comfort and companionship through the years. Although not an avid sports fan, she did find American Pharoah winning the Triple Crown and the Royals season and eventual World Series win this year particularly entertaining.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald Hamblen; and sister-in-law, Linda (Kerns) Buffham. She he survived by her daughter Neta Davis and husband Terry of Belton, Missouri; brother, Hugh Buffham and wife Joan; niece, Teresa Kilbert; and nephew, Hugh Buffham, Jr., all of Pennsylvania.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278