November 7, 1926 - August 18, 2015
1926 - 2015

Esther Lorene Elardo, 88, St. Joseph, MO passed from this life on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 surrounded by her family. She was a life-long resident of St. Joseph, MO and was born on November 7, 1926 to James Elmer and Emma (Agee) Gossett.
Esther married Carl James Elardo, Jr. on November 15, 1946, in St. Joseph, MO and he preceded her in death on May 19, 2015.
She loved spending time with her family and provided care in her home to countless children. She loved baking, sewing and crocheting. Esther enjoyed the competition of games and played to win no matter how old her opponent. Having played softball throughout her life, she was also a fan of baseball and followed the Royals and the Atlanta Braves.
Survivors include a son, Larry (Dianne) Elardo, Groveland, MA; three daughters, Susan (Randy) Stuber, Polson, MT, Cathy McKim, Angela (John) Durr; all of St. Joseph, MO; eight grandchildren, Nathan, Neil, Nicholas Stuber, Megan Berg, Mallory McKim, Kyle & Nicola Elardo, and Abby Durr; three great-grandchildren. Her parents; and three brothers, Charles, James and Ellis Gossett, preceded her in death.
Celebration of Life will be 2 PM Friday, August 21, 2015 at Wyatt Park Christian Church, St. Joseph. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Public visitation and family receiving hours will be 5 to 7 PM Thursday at the church, St. Joseph, MO. Arrangements entrusted to Gladden - Stamey Funeral Home, St. Joseph, MO. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to children's ministries at Wyatt Park Christian Church or Hope United Church of Christ, Cosby, MO.