Esther NaDeane Thompson was born at home on August 30, 1942, in Guide Rock, Nebraska, to her parents, Roy F. and Jennie M. (Fulton) Langer. She grew up in Guide Rock and graduated from Guide Rock High School. Following high school, Esther attended the University of Nebraska–Kearney, where she earned her teaching certificate.

On June 9, 1962, Esther was united in marriage to Steve Thompson in Superior, Nebraska. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Norton, Kansas.

In 1969, Esther began providing daycare from her home, beginning a career that would become one of the most meaningful parts of her life. For the next 56 years, Esther lovingly cared for hundreds, if not thousands, of children. She took great pride in the role she played in the lives of the children and families she cared for. Her daycare became much more than a place for children to spend their days—it was a place where generations of families grew up. Esther eventually found herself caring for the children of children she had babysat, and even the grandchildren of children she had cared for throughout the years. Her dedication, love, and genuine care for the children made a lasting impact on countless families in the Norton community.

Esther also enjoyed playing the piano and organ and had a love for arts and crafts. She found joy in creating things and sharing her many talents with others.

Esther will be remembered for the love and care she gave to so many throughout her life, especially the countless children who had the privilege of spending their childhoods in her care.

Esther is preceded in death by her husband Steve, parents Roy and Jennie, son Scott, Brother Richard Langer, sister Donna Paige, and an infant sister, and nephew Jim Paige.

Survivors include son Eric and wife Kellie of Norton; daughters Monica Bach and husband Anthony of Woodruff, KS, Natalie Wallace and husband Alex of Garden City, KS, and Paula McKenna and husband Greg of Selden, KS, 17 grandchildren Caleb, Calen, Colten, and Caden Bach; Marlee Ediger, Landee and Hallee McKenna, and Baylee Freund; Brittany Lance, Cameron and Austin Wallace; Katelyn Branstetter and Patricia Thompson; Kenzie, Kassidy, and Kaylie Thompson; and Jacob Tharp, as well as 15 great grandchildren Corbin, Canton, Colter, Adalynn, Leland, Brynnlie, Cayson, Brooklyn, Grady, Myles, Roslynn, Nathaniel, Heber, Briella, and Duane.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, in Norton, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Norton Cemetery, Norton, Kansas.