Esther R. Payer – age 86, of Pocahontas, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at the Pocahontas Community Hospital in Pocahontas, Iowa.

Esther Rosella Nedved was born on December 24, 1933, in Pocahontas, Iowa. She was the daughter of John and Anastasia (Hronek) Nedved. She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School. On September 8, 1959, Esther was united in marriage to John "Jack" Payer in Pocahontas. The couple settled near Pocahontas where they farmed and raised their family. In 1984, Esther began working as a cook at the Chateau in Pocahontas. In 1994, she began cooking at Mary's Café and continued at the Family Table until retiring in 2016.

Esther was a member of Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church and the Ladies Society. She enjoyed gardening, canning and playing cards. Esther also enjoyed working on puzzle books and playing slot machines. She especially loved the time she spent with her family.

Survivors include her children, Theresa (Steve) Benjamin of Laurens, IA, Mike (Verna) Payer of Pocahontas, IA, Julie Payer of Chapin, IA and Joyce (Troy) Stockwell of Laurens, IA; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren and a sister, Louise Vogel of Churdan, IA.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jerome and George Nedved and sister, Marie Smith.

PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE HELD FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH AT THE RESURRECTION CATHOLIC CHURCH IN POCAHONTAS WITH BURIAL AT THE CALVARY CEMETERY IN POCAHONTAS. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC  WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE.