Esther E. Henderlider

Esther “Landy” Henderlider died peacefully in her sleep on September 7, 2022. She was 98 years old. Her passing is mourned by her family, daughters Gwen Whitson (Robert), Laurie Trautman (Steve); grandchildren Amanda Ireland, Craig Trautman and Hank Whitson; 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Her life will be celebrated at a Memorial Service at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 15, at King of Glory Lutheran Church.

Esther was born on January 24, 1924 in Boise, the eighth child of George and Essie Jones Landers. Her seven siblings, Roy Landers, Floyd Landers, Faye Carter, Harley Landers, Ted Landers, Laura Gates and Dale Landers, all pre-deceased her.

Esther attended school in Boise, graduating from Boise High School. A proud Vandal, she graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Physical Education. While there, she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, and was known to her sorority sisters as “Landy.”

On June 1,1947, she eloped to Walla Walla, Washington with Robert Henderlider. They celebrated 70 years of marriage before Bob passed away in May of 2018.

In the early years of Bob and Esther’s marriage they lived in Salmon, Idaho where Bob was the University County Agent. An avid outdoors-woman, Esther spent her days hunting and fishing, often with the town’s only doctor and the local pharmacist.

Esther was an enthusiastic volunteer in Boise, working at the Elks Rehabilitation Center for more than 20 years, the YWCA, and various other organizations. She was an active member of King of Glory Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. She was also a member of PEO. She enjoyed golf, and was a member of the Plantation Golf Club.

During her husband’s career in association management, she organized and assisted with the activities of the ladies auxiliaries, in particular the Idaho Cowbelles, of the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association.

Esther will be remembered for her sense of humor and her playful approach to life. From teaching football players how to dance, as part of her job as a PE teacher, to her playful interactions with her grandchildren and the children and grandchildren of her close friends, she always had fun. During the Christmas season for at least 30 years, she would create costumes and skits to entertain friends and family with stories about holiday icons from the Sugar Plum Fairy to Frosty the Snowman.

Her outgoing personality and independent, intrepid nature were apparent in all she did. She was known to a succession of Idaho’s governors and other state and community leaders not only as Bob Henderlider’s wife, but also as a community leader in her own right.

Memorial contributions may be made to King of Glory Church or your favorite charity.