Margaret Benke Esse, 85, died December 22, 2011 at her home in the Peggy Community in Atascosa County.  She was born April 30, 1926 to Albert and Laura Benke and was raised in the El Oso

Community in Karnes County.  She attended Cadillac School and graduated from Kenedy High School and Southwest Texas State Teachers College.  She was a  bookkeeping teacher at Three Rivers High School for 25 years and was also the office manager, accountant and secretary for the Three Rivers Independent School District Superintendent. 

In 1947, she married Willie H. Esse, Jr. and they made their home in the Fashing/Peggy community.  He preceded her in death August 11, 2010.

Mrs. Esse was a member of the Fashing United Methodist Church and served in the choir, participated in many church programs and fundraisers, and served as church secretary/ treasurer for many years.  She was also a member of the Little Acorn Study Club, Fashing Cemetery Association, South Texas Cattlewomens, Live Oak County Retired Teachers and she enjoyed playing bridge.

Mrs. Esse was a devoted wife and mother and cherished her family.  The family wishes to acknowledge her devout love and support that she gave others throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters, and one brother.  She is survived by her son, Dr. Ivan Lyn Esse and wife, Robin, and five nieces.

Services are under the direction of Eckols Funeral Home and will be conducted on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 10:00am at the Funeral Home, with burial following at the Fashing Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  Nurses in Touch Hospice, 491 N. Sunset, Kenedy, TX 78119; Kenedy Public Library, 303 W. Main, Kenedy, TX 78119; or the Fashing United Methodist Church, 7272 FM 99, Campbellton, TX 78008.