Esther Anne (Scheuermann) Plowman, of Hurdland, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on January 3, 1939, in Sutter, Illinois, to Jefferson and Florence Scheuermann. Esther lived a life full of love, service, and dedication to her family, her faith, and her community.
A 1956 graduate of Warsaw High School, Esther was a force to be reckoned with—whether she was spiking the volleyball, leading the Yearbook Staff, or stealing the spotlight as the Queen of the 1956 Valentine Party. She never stopped giving, from her hobbies of camping and water skiing to her devoted volunteer work and always cheering at her children’s and grandchildren’s events.
Esther’s love story with Jerry Plowman started at a local dance and quickly became the foundation of a beautiful life together. They married on September 13, 1959, at the Bethany Evangelical Church in Tioga, Illinois, and built a life that was filled with love and mutual support. Esther’s dream of becoming a Nurse led her to Blessing School of Nursing in Quincy, Illinois. Even when it took her to the State Hospital in St. Louis her heart always stayed close to Jerry, who made sure to visit often (even selling his motorcycle when she refused to ride… for safety reasons, anything for his “Peachie”). They moved to Edina, Missouri, in 1972, where they became not only partners in life but also in farming. Esther was right there by Jerry’s side, working on the farm, running equipment, sitting in long grain lines (braving the cold and with a quick exit if a mouse was sighted) and tending to animals (even stitching them up from time to time) while still managing her career.
As the Knox County Health Nurse in 1975, Esther’s impact on her community was nothing short of transformative. She worked tirelessly to improve health services, eventually creating an independent County Health Department that included home health care, USDA Women’s Infants and Children (WIC) program, Environmental Services, Home Based nursing services, Vaccine Programs, Wellness Programs, Clinic Programs for under insured, Veteran’s Services and a County Vital Records Program. Her legacy as an advocate for others continues to live on today in the work of the Knox County Health Department and Mark Twain Behavioral Health, and in the nurses, she mentored throughout her career. Esther was honored as Nurse of the Year in 2018 by Blessing School of Nursing, and her name appeared frequently in the papers for her many contributions.
Alongside Jerry, Esther shared a love for dancing, camping, and traveling in their RV, always with a deck of cards at the ready—because if there was a perfect card to be drawn, you could count on Esther to find it. And when it came to family, she was the glue that held everyone together, hosting countless family gatherings and always putting others first. Her love and devotion to her children and grandchildren were immeasurable.
At the heart of all that Esther did was her faith. Her love for God shaped everything she did, and her kindness, care, and selflessness were a reflection of that love. Esther leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will never be forgotten.
Esther has been reunited with her husband, Jerry; her parents, Jefferson and Florence Scheuermann; and brothers, Martin and Eldon Scheuermann, all rejoicing together in the presence of God’s almighty glory. She will be deeply missed by her sister Martha (Scheuermann) Larson and her husband Dave; her sister Mabel (Scheuermann) Larimer; sister-in-law Flori Scheuermann; brother Calvin Scheuermann and his wife Sharon; daughter Pamela (Plowman) Abrahamson and husband Dave; son Timothy (Tim) Plowman and wife Rhonda; grandchildren Erin (Abrahamson) Strefling and husband Clint, Adam Abrahamson and wife Micalah, Josh Abrahamson and wife Bekah, Raeanne (Plowman) Lovell and husband Jeremy, and Tyler Plowman and fiancé Jennifer Banovic; and her great-grandchildren Grayson, Luke, Taylor, Parker, Lilah, Autumn, Levi and Scarlett, who brought her so much joy.
Visitation and service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina, Missouri. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m., with the service beginning at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served immediately following the service at The Health Department (all are welcome).
Esther will be laid to rest at the Bethany United Church of Christ Cemetery in Tioga, Illinois. Departure for Tioga will be at 1:00 p.m.
Pallbearers will include grandsons Adam Abrahamson, Josh Abrahamson, Tyler Plowman, nephews Dan Scheuermann, Kenneth Scheuermann, Ryan Scheuermann, and granddaughter Raeanne’s husband Jeremy Lovell. Honorary pallbearers are nephews David Scheuermann, Scott Larimer and granddaughter Erin’s husband Clint Strefling.
Esther’s family and friends know she has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”