Esther Coleman Cassity Nolan, 93, formerly of Buffalo Gap, SD, died June 8, 2007 at Fountain Springs Health Care in Rapid City, SD.

Esther Lucille Coleman was born January 28, 1914 in Hot Springs; she was the second child of John Willoughby Coleman and Eleonora Bertha Sauer Coleman. In 1919, after her mother died in the influenza epidemic, Esther and her sister, Carolyn, went to live with the family of their father's sister, Bertha Bruce, near Oral. Her sister, Willa lived nearby with the Will and Daisy Canfield family. The next year, the family was again struck by tragedy upon the death of Esther's elder brother, Harold. In 1922, Esther's father remarried and took a job in Illinois, where the entire family moved briefly.

In 1931, Esther married William R. "Pete" Cassity in Custer. During the years of 1934-1937, they lived in southern California. In later years, Pete worked on road construction which took the family to various locations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana and Texas. In 1966, Pete died suddenly and Esther moved to Martin to be near her daughter, Joyce Strain. She worked as a nurse's aide both in Martin and in Hot Springs hospitals.

Esther married William F. Nolan in 1979 and Buffalo Gap became their home. During subsequent years, the couple traveled the country in their truck and trailer seeing the sights with a club, as well as on their own to visit relatives. In 2002, they made Hot Springs home, later moving to Rapid City.

Esther was a member of the United Methodist Churches of Oral and Buffalo Gap for many years. She also belonged to the Rebekah Lodge and the Order of Eastern Star. She participated in school events in the Buffalo Gap School and was known to look out for the neighborhood kids, and elderly friends in need of assistance. She was known as a Christian of strong faith, which helped promote her sunny outlook on life. Although she endured much hardship in her life, she never dwelled upon it and was always a source of strength for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and her first husband, Pete.

She is survived by her husband, William F. Nolan of Rapid City, SD; step-daughter, Paulette (Tim) Thompson of Newcastle, WY; step-grandsons, Justin and Chris; son, Gerald (Lynn) Cassity; grandsons, Kent (Julie) Cassity; Cody Cassity all of Wichita Falls, TX; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Cassity of Florida; daughter, Joyce (James) Strain of Rapid City, SD; grandson, Stewart (Joyce) Strain; great grandsons, Jackson and Grant Strain all of Martin, SD; great grandson, Joe (Sarah) Strain and expected great great grandchild of Rapid City, SD; grandson, Steven (Beth) Strain; great granddaughter, Mijkan all of Martin, SD; great grandsons, Bradley and Jordan Strain of Rapid City, SD; granddaughter, Nancy (Thomas) Bradsky; great granddaughters, Miranda and Brooke Bradsky all of Rapid City, SD; son, Wayne (Katherine) Cassity of Henry, NE; grandson, Shawn (Coni) Cassity of St. Paul, MN; granddaughter, Erin (Casey) Gates and expected great grandchild, all of Eatontown, NJ; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial services will be held 10:00 am, Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Gap, SD with Pastor David Anderson officiating.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapels of the Hills in Hot Springs, SD. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.