Esther Mae Longden 87, of Edgemont, South Dakota, passed peacefully on March 2, 2025, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska with family near her side.

Esther was born on May 8, 1937, in New Underwood, SD to John and Edith Mae Frazee. The oldest of eight siblings, her mother died when she was just 14 years old. Esther greatly missed her mother and took on the task of helping to raise her younger brothers and sister. She cared about her siblings, and they felt her love and care for them during this difficult transition. Later her father remarried, giving her a new stepmother Velna and soon, three more half siblings.

At the age of 10, after meeting Rolland Longden for the first time, Esther confidently told her mother she'd one day marry him. Eight years later, in May 1955, Esther and Rolland began their romance, culminating in their marriage on September 1,1955, when Esther was 18. Following their wedding, they settled in Sturgis, SD, to build their life together.

Esther loved her family and made many sacrifices to bring her children into the world.

Over the next 10 years she welcomed one boy and six girls into the world. Esther miscarried a baby boy on her fourth pregnancy but was blessed with a set of twin girls soon after. Raising seven children proved to be challenging and difficult at times but there were also many fun and happy times! Trips to visit relatives, game nights at Aunt Alice & Uncle George's house, weekend drives in the mountains and picnics in the park were some of the family favorites.

As a young mother of seven on a tight budget, Esther relied on her talents to provide for her family. Beyond cooking, cleaning, and childcare, she sewed clothes, crocheted, and knitted blankets and other essentials. Her dedication was inspiring, and she rarely sat idle. Coming home from school, you'd often find her in her sewing room, working tirelessly on her latest project. Even during family movie nights, Esther would multitask, crochet hook and yarn in hand, creating something new while watching.

Esther taught her children many good virtues. She was honest, hardworking and frugal. She managed her money wisely and always had a notebook close by to record what was being spent.

The family moved a lot, and Esther became a master at moving her large family. Esther cleaned every new home from top to bottom scrubbing behind stoves and refrigerators, washing walls and cupboards and organizing every part of the house before unpacking anything.

Esther's upbringing was rooted in faith and strong values. Her family's regular church attendance and her mother's teachings emphasized the importance of prayer, kindness, faith, and honesty. Esther strived, through example, to instill these same values in her children. Her faith in God helped her face many of life's challenges. Esther valued honesty, and we saw that firsthand when our dad would spin wild yarns on the drive home from school. While she didn't want to spoil the fun, Esther's subtle cues - a shrug or silence - tipped us off when Dad was joking.

As Esther's children grew, she took on the task of tending and caring for others' children. Childcare provided Esther a means to earn a supplemental income while still being able to stay home and take care of her own children. Once most of her children were grown, she continued some childcare which included helping to raise her grandchild Lisa Longden for the first five years of her life.

Her aunt Bessie taught her to study natural ways to support her health which she continued throughout her entire life. She was very careful to take good care of her health and seldom went to or needed a doctor. Esther was a great example and help to her family and to her friends as she was always ready to share her knowledge with them.

Esther didn't venture out as much in her final years, but she remained close to family and friends through regular phone calls and messages. She also spent a lot of time with her only son Bob who lived nearby and was always ready to lend a helping hand whenever she needed it.

She will be missed by her family and friends.

Esther is survived by her son Robert "Bob" Longden; five daughters, Angela Robson (Jim), Carol White (Shawn), Connie Osman (Michael), Tina Rouse (Herb), Brenda Vincent; 13 grandchildren, Josh, Jessica, Jennifer, Allen, Brooke, Zane, Melissa, Katie, Charlie, Scott, Marissa, Lisa, and Megan; 32 great grandchildren; four brothers, John Paul, Bill, Larry and Jerry; and two sisters, Betty and Kathy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edith Frazee; husband, Rolland Longden; stepmother, Velna; daughter, Bonnie Bott; granddaughter, Christy Robson; son-in-law, Gene Vincent; four brothers, Joe, Marvin, Randy and Danny; and many other friends and relatives.

A special half hour memorial service will be held at Black Hills Funeral Home sometime in June. Date and time are yet to be arranged. Please contact the family if you would like to attend. We will send the info once day and time are set.