Esther VanWart

Esther Martin VanWart, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by those she loved on March 12, 2026, in Pocatello, Idaho.

Esther was born on September 19, 1953, in Selma, Alabama, to Richard Martin Sr. and his wife Mercedes De La Rosa. She lived a life marked by service, faith, and deep love for her family and community.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John VanWart, with whom she shared a devoted marriage and a large, loving family.

Esther is survived by her eight children and their spouses: Jesse and Brittany VanWart; Isaac and Hailey VanWart; Heather and Clark Reese; Nathan and Leslie VanWart; April and Paul Paxton; Sarah and Trevor Edwards; Juliann and Jeremy Christensen; and Caitlin and Brandon Hunt. She was a proud grandmother to Vannessa Adams, Jesse Mason VanWart, Samantha VanWart, Kyler VanWart, Emmett VanWart, Brielle VanWart, Nyah Robinson, Payton Robinson, Channing McDonald, Kennedy Reese, Lily Reese, Calvin Reese, Alyssa VanWart, Johnathan VanWart, Anthonie VanWart, Jordan Paxton, Witten Paxton, Kyla Skeem, Kenna Skeem, Eli Skeem, Tavian Christensen, Piper Christensen, Anson Fauvell, Taite Fauvell, Gibson Fauvell, and Ella Fauvell, and great-grandmother to Elliot Adams, Rayland VanWart, and Isabelle VanWart.

She is also survived by her sister, Janet Perkins, and her brother, Richard Martin Jr.

Esther was truly full of life and love. She gave endlessly to anyone she met and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed and valued. She was deeply involved in her community, serving on the State Charter School Commission and actively participating in her church. Her faith was central to who she was, and her testimony of Jesus Christ guided her life and inspired those around her.

Esther was a powerful, friendly, and caring presence. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and strength will be remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply and the countless lives she touched.

“I love you more than all the stars in the sky!”

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, March 16, 2026 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2000 South Fairway, Pocatello, ID. A viewing will be held prior beginning at 10:30 am. Burial will follow the service at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S 5th Avenue, Pocatello, ID.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.