Esther was born on May 16, 1925 in Buffalo, South Dakota, the daughter of Francis and Grace (Cavin) Lyons.  She grew up and attended schools in Buffalo.  Her first job was herding sheep for the neighbors.  Following high school graduation, she attended summer school at Spearfish Normal School where she earned her provisional teaching certificate.  Her first teaching job was at Lanesboro School in South Dakota.  There were five students that attended school that year. She went on to teach in the Finger Buttes near Albion, Montana.  She met Don Kornemann, a local sheep rancher, at a dance in Albion.  They were married on February 15, 1947 and raised three children. In 1979, Esther and Don moved to Miles City to semi-retire.  Esther worked as the assistant activities director at the Custer County Rest Home where she touched the lives of many people.  Later, Esther worked at the Miles City Public Library where she had a passion for doing research in the historical Montana Room.  Ester then took over as the director   of the Ursuline Convent from which she retired in 2007, at the age of 82.  She was also active as a retiree member of the AFSCME Union.

      Esther will be remembered for her Irish wit and great sense of humor.  She especially loved writing stories and poetry about family and friends.  She was well known in the community for her caramel rolls and her pies.  Esther was an avid card player and had many wonderful times square dancing with Donny. 

     Esther was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters:  Lotus Kennedy and Norine Paulson; two brothers: David “Buck” Lyons and Dean Lyons; and a grandson, Ryan McNelis.  She is survived by her husband Don of Miles City, MT; son, Mike (Kay) Kornemann of Belle Fourche, SD; daughter, Marilyn (Kevin) McNelis of Belgrade, MT; and a son, Kelly (Toni) Kornemann of Rozet, WY; her grandchildren:  Wacey (Heather) Kornemann of Belle Fourche, SD, Wade Kornemann of Gillette, WY, Kellie McNelis of Missoula, MT; Katie (Steve) Fujiwara of Silverdale, WA, Kiera McNelis of Belgrade, MT; brothers:  Kent (Margie) Lyons of Pleasanton, TX and Bruce (Zee) Lyons of Bakersfield, CA; numerous nieces and nephews and her constant companion, “Little Bear”. 

     The family will receive friends at a Vigil service on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.  Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com. 

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice Extended Care, 2600 Wilson, Miles City, MT  59301.