Esther Katherine Wellman, 92 of Big Rapids passed away peacefully on October 25, 2026, surrounded by family.

She was born on January 17, 1934, to Nelson Pennington and Louise Lumbert, in Pewamo, Michigan. Esther married Gaylord Wellman in May 1950. Together they had 13 children.

Esther worked at Harvest Table Restaurant and Alter Care Nursing Home where she retired from in 1999. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren who were the light of her life. Esther enjoyed sewing and embroidery. She found joy in making baby blankets for grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren. Esther also enjoyed word search puzzles and watching game shows.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gaylord, daughter Bonnie McBride of Virginia and son John (Mary) Morevec of Missouri, and infant son George Wellman.

She is survived by her children Judy Hoffman (Kim Langworthy) of Hersey, Robert (Ann) Wellman of Big Rapids, Ellen (Scott) Winget of Big Rapids, Jesse Wellman of Big Rapids, Kent (Deb) Bushaw of New Hampshire, Violet Wellman of Colorado, Mary Spears of Ohio, Eliza Wellman, Nona Wellman, and Gaylord Wellman; 17 grandchildren, Christopher (Jennifer) Hoffman of Cadillac, Matthew (Holly) Hoffman of Big Rapids, Joshua (Kacie) Hoffman of Newberry, Alicia Hoffman (Keith) of Springfield, Ohio, Michael and Steven Winget of Big Rapids, Christopher Spedowski of Big Rapids, Eric and Ryan McBride of Virginia, Missi Michael of Muskegon, Tina Rusco of Muskegon, Wendy Varelo of Holland, Jacob Moravec and Crystal Moravec of Missouri, Jeremy Moravec of Michigan, Kenneth Hanson of Colorado, Debbie Phillips of New Hampshire; 40 great grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren; and nieces Lorene Sprague of Lyons and Linda Wetherbee of Ionia.

There will be a graveside service held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pine Plains Cemetery in Big Rapids.

Care and arrangements are entrusted to Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids.