Esther Darlene Ankrum

Esther Darlene Ankrum, 92, of Marshalltown, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the Iowa River Hospice Home.

Funeral services for Esther will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be directed to the family. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Esther and her family.

Esther Bottema was born on April 3, 1933 in Whitten, Iowa. She was the daughter of John Sr. and Florence (Lubbert) Bottema. Esther attended school in Whitten at BLCUW. On June 29, 1950, she was united in marriage to Darrell Ankrum at First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown. Esther had worked for the Marshalltown Community School District in food service for twenty-two years. Esther was a member of the Hobby Club and enjoyed crocheting and putting puzzles together.

Esther is survived by her children: Vicki Neel, Darrell (Donella) Ankrum and Diane Deters; grandchildren: Darcie Oelberg (Cory), Mindy Handsaker (Jacob), Carri Bridges, Kim Neel, Christopher Bracy (Becky) and Jennifer Bracy. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Aaron Gould, Isaac Neel, Callan Oelberg, Landon Oelberg, Ethan Oelberg, Solomon, Elizabeth and Noa Neel, Elle Jorgensen-Fulton, Myles Handsaker, Elle Handsaker, Will Handsaker, Kimber Handsaker, Madison Bracy, Dylan Bracy (whom is in the military, stationed in Texas), and Georgia, Shelby and Lane Bridges; siblings: Lawrence Bottema, Robert Bottema, Dorothy Davison, Varina Eason and Delores Buzzell along with several nieces and nephews.

Esther is preceded in death by her husband: Darrell; son: Jeffery Ankrum and siblings: Jake Bottema, Etta Moats, Mildred Neuenford and John Bottema Jr.