Esther Kroeker Smith January 9, 1926 - May 27, 2009 Esther Kroeker Smith was born January 9, 1926 in Shafter, California to Peter C. and Elizabeth (Epp) Epp one of nine children. She attended Wasco elementary schools and graduated from Wasco Union High School with the Class of 1944. Esther married Henry Pete Kroeker in 1946 and they lived in Shafter, Washington,Ontario and Reedley before moving back to Wasco in 1964. Henry passed away in 1979 and Esther began working at North Kern Hospital in the dietary department as a cook until 1987. She cooked for Tom's Coffee Shop and Rhonda's Place until she retired. Esther was a member of the Wasco Bible Church and later a member of the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. Esther is survived by her children, Steven Kroeker and wife Clara and Susan Hernandez and husband Henry; grandson, Brian Martinez, all of Wasco; sisters, Martha Goertzen and husband Bill of Shafter and Mary Ann Hubert of San Jose. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Johnny, Arthur, Peter, Alvin and Eldo and sister, Elizabeth Kliewer. A graveside funeral service will be held Monday, June 1 at 10am at Wasco Memorial Park for Esther K. Smith, age 83, of Wasco who passed away May 27, 2009 in Delano. Pastor Pat Coyle will officiate the service and interment will follow. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 31 from 2pm until 8pm at Peters Funeral Home, Wasco