Esther Emma Walker

Surrounded by her family, Esther Emma Kappler Walker entered Heaven after a lifetime of service to the Lord Jesus on Tuesday, November 18th, at 9:55AM.

Esther was born in Morningside, South Dakota, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26th, 1930, to Edward and Ernestine Kappler. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 72 years, Ian H.C. Walker, her parents, her brothers, Erwin and Albert Duane Kappler, and grandchildren Micah and Faith Ball.

She became a Christian at age 16 and served the Lord faithfully the rest of her life, leading many to faith in Jesus Christ.

Esther married her husband, Ian, on August 16th, 1952, and served alongside him in church ministry across America for over 50 years. An RN, gifted speaker and teacher, Esther’s great joy was teaching the Bible because, in her own words, “God’s Word is so almighty, powerful, and awesome…it sometimes takes my breath away!”

Her passion and dedication to studying and sharing God’s Word was evident not only in her speaking and teaching career, but also in a tremendous body of writing and artwork. She authored two books, High Pasture, and Rejoicing the Heart, and continued to work on a third forthcoming book, The Cure for Corroded Christians, as long as she was able. To accompany her writing and teaching, she illustrated many passages of the Bible, including all 150 Psalms, in her distinctive pen-and-ink style. For her books see highpasture.org

In her later years, while homebound, Esther prayed for God to make a way for her ministry to continue, and in 2016, God did something amazing. When her daughter, Jennifer, began posting videos of Esther sharing her faith on social media, the response was incredible. Esther went “viral” many times over despite not knowing how to turn on a computer. Now, millions of people all over the world have heard Esther’s teaching online. Instead of drawing to a close in her twilight years, her ministry has grown exponentially and has touched more people from her bedside than ever before in her life.

Esther’s life has radiated the love of God. The lives she has touched cannot be counted. She is loved by so many, and her videos continue to bless people around the world.

Esther’s memory is lovingly preserved by her four devoted children, Heather Beier (Doug), James Walker (Deborah Leigh), Wendy Ball (Mark), and Jennifer Smith (Butch), of whom she was incredibly proud. In addition to her children, Esther is survived by 12 grandchildren, in whom she found great delight: Adam Beier (Erica), Cameron Earwood (Will), Amy Walker, Ian Walker (Amanda), Jamie Leigh Walker, Emma Walker Crout (Sloan), Kathleen Kent (Brian), Hope Mallary (Kevin), Jon Ball (Bekah), Jay Smith (Shannon), Erin Sanford (Bo), and Josh Smith (Breana). She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren: Bear Beier; Carter and Chloe Earwood; Esther Kent; Nevaeh Ball; Blakely, Emrie, JP, and Will Smith; Lindsey and Harper Sanford; and Anderson and Leighton Smith. All of these descendants are a living testament to her enduring legacy of faith, devotion and love.

A funeral service will be held on Monday December 1, 2025 at Lake Hills Church in Candler at 1:00 pm.

The family will receive friends from 11:00-1:00 at the church prior to the service.

Groce at Lake Julian is assisting the family.