Shelbyville
Esther Mae Abel Applas Legan, 91, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Heritage House of Shelbyville.
She was born March 15, 1926, in Shelby County, the daughter of George William and Neelie Augusta (Willis) Abel. Esther married Harold Applas. She later married Earl Legan, and he preceded her in death in 1978.
Esther is survived by her daughter, Donna Purvis of Columbus; sisters, Viola Conner and husband, Richard, of Carmel and Jessie Williams of Shelby County; grandchildren, Heather D. Anderson and husband, John, of New Pekin and Shawn C. Purvis and wife, Kyle, of Columbus; great-grandchildren, Logan, Dawson, Shelby, Kaylee, Johnathen, Molly and McKenzie; and many nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Richard Purvis; brothers, Roy Abel, Ray Abel, Henry Abel, Earl Abel, Paul Abel and Herbert Abel; and sister, Mildred Louise Talbert.
Esther graduated from Moral Township High School in 1944.
She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Columbus and a former member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Shelby County.
Esther was formerly a manager of Sears paint department and Riss Trucking. She was also formerly a secretary at Irving Material (IMI) and Cash Drawer.
She enjoyed crafts, crocheting and knitting and was a member of a Home Economics Club. Esther also liked music and dancing.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St., Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be at London Cemetery in Shelby County.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 S. 17th St., Columbus, Indiana 47201.
Online condolences may be shared with Esther’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
