It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Esther Adell (Gohr) Schroeder who left this world on September 15, 2026, at the age of 89. Born on December 17, 1936, Esther was a quiet, hardworking, and capable woman who lived a life filled with love, duty, humor, and music.

Esther was a lifelong resident of Monte Vista, Colorado, where she was a steady presence of support to her family and community. She and her husband Larrey founded and managed three businesses in the San Luis Valley over their lifetimes. With each new venture, she quickly learned the details of running the business and keeping the books.

She was a devoted member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, contributing to the ministry of the Ladies' Circle group and the church choir for decades. She was a soft-spoken person with a strong singing voice who remembered not only the first, but the second and third verses of numerous songs well into her older years.

She was a true embodiment of resilience, strength, perseverance, and intelligence. Esther grew up on a potato farm on the line between Rio Grande and Alamosa counties, one of 13 children born to her mother and father. As one of the daughters who worked outdoors, she milked cows and worked in the fields with her father and siblings, developing a love of being outside.

After graduating high school, she attended cosmetology school in Denver and was hairdresser for various friends and family throughout her life.

She married Larrey Schroeder in September 1960 and helped maintain the cattle ranch they had started on his family's 160-acre property south and east of Monte Vista while he worked at a truck driving company. He later worked at the starch plant and attended Adams State College on the GI bill. Together, they opened a Sears Catalog Store in 1969 and developed it into a thriving business selling almost anything a person could want, from washing machines to children's toys to live chickens and bees. When Sears discontinued their catalog operation in 1991, they pivoted to selling natural foods and vitamins at their store, The Natural Connection.

After her husband died in 2015 and she sold the store, Esther kept up her connections in town, having "coffee with the guys" and talking with townsfolk during lunch at the local Dairy Queen.

Those who saw her knew her as a gracious lady with a quiet presence and a genuine smile. Family members knew her for her crisp, snappy cookies and impish sense of humor.

A faithful mother, Esther will be lovingly remembered by family: daughter Katherine (Erik) Suttles of Del Norte and their children, Cas and Rhea Silva as well as daughter Ellen (Michael) Mackey of Littleton and their daughter. She is also survived by two sisters Erna Hancock and Eva Hammond, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Esther was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larrey Schroeder, her parents, Frieda and Emil Gohr, and a host of siblings who have welcomed her into eternal rest.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation was selected. A Celebration of Life service will be held in her honor on Friday, October 16 at 11:00 am at the Homelake Veterans Center Chapel, 3749 Sherman Avenue, Monte Vista, CO 81144. The family invites all who knew and loved Esther to join in honoring her life and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of those around her. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Monte Vista Community Food Pantry. Esther Schroeder's steady spirit, her dedication to family, and her love of music will continue to inspire and resonate with all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.