Esther Lorraine Sargent, 98, of Mitchell, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. 

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 19, at Will Funeral Chapel, with a burial at Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Visitation was Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Will Funeral Chapel. Memorials can be directed to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

Esther Lorraine Sargent, daughter of Garfield and Cleva (Burnett) Nelson, was born on the family farm in rural Artesian. She grew up and attended country school in rural Artesian.

Esther was united in marriage with Melvin Sargent Sr. on Feb. 7, 1939, in Woonsocket. The couple lived on a farm near Artesian before moving to a farm near Plano. They made their home in Mitchell in 1952. While in Mitchell, Esther was a homemaker and raised their children. After her children were grown, Esther was employed at Firesteel Healthcare Center for several years. In her retirement, she sewed and mended for the residents at Firesteel.

Esther enjoyed flowers and walking her dog.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Mitchell.

Esther is survived by her children, Karen Boyd of Omaha, Neb., Kay (Dennis) Gunderson of Chamberlain, Melvin “Bill” (Ronda) Sargent Jr. of Mt. Vernon, Kathy (Glen) Wentland of Mt. Vernon, Linda Kobold of Sioux Falls, Ron (June) Sargent of Rapid City, Gaye (Rene) Hubbard-Figueroa of Larchwood, Iowa, Melody (Rich) Maeschen-Granberg of Pierre, and Edwards Sargent of Mitchell; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Sargent, and her daughter, Sherry Sargent.