Dates
Esther Elsa Krenz (Yarbrough) Smith entered into the presence of her Lord Jesus Christ on May 25, 2025. Her illness has ended, and her true journey now begins.
Esther was born in 1939, at home, and delivered into the world by her father. She always felt that's why her dad let her get by with things.
Esther was the 10th of 11 children born to German / Polish immigrants, Selma Schwan and Leo G. Krenz Sr, who came to the United States in 1922 through Ellis Island. Two of Esther’s brothers proudly served their country in the United States Army and her son, Kevin Yarbrough, served in the US Navy.
Esther and her siblings were raised on a small dairy farm in northeastern Oklahoma. Their parents raised them to love their Lord, be honest, work hard, and never ruin their good name. Her family always stayed close. They also continued the tradition of being in Sunday school and church every Sunday.
She graduated from Lenapah High School in 1958 in Oklahoma. She played basketball all through high school. In late 1958, she moved to Texas City, TX, where some of her family were working. Her oldest sister encouraged her to go to Business School in Houston, and she soon took a job with the Houston Post newspaper.
Moving back to Texas City, Esther married two years later, and her first son, Stephen Yarbrough, was born. She worked for 11 years as a cashier / bookkeeper for a finance company. The family then moved to College Station, TX, where she worked for 4 years at Texas A&M University as department secretary for the Soil and Crop Sciences department.
In 1971, her family moved to San Angelo, TX. Soon after, her youngest son, Kevin Yarbrough, was born. She worked with the state welfare department, including Child Protective Services, and 15 years at Angelo State University as a typesetter for university publications. She was also the secretary for news and sports information. She always felt blessed that she worked with the best people in the world.
Esther is preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Dr. Yates C. Smith, her parents, four sisters, and four brothers.
Esther is survived by two sons: Stephen Yarbrough of Dallas, TX. and his family, and Kevin and Pam Yarbrough of Wall, TX. She also leaves behind 4 loving grandchildren whom she adored and was so proud of: Tyler Jurden and Dakota Yarbrough of Wall, TX. and Ella Yarbrough and Loralei Yarbrough of Dallas, TX. She is also survived by her remaining sisters: Norma Doss of Santa Fe, TX. and Selma Bauer of Texas City, TX., as well as 40 nieces and nephews.
Esther loved her church and dear friends at First Christian Church, as well as the Antique Auto Club of America. Her special friends of note include Dee & Jerry Lackey and their family, Rhonda Clarke, Judith Powell, Jackie Swanson, Vo Wilson and Bob & Terri Thomas.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the Springs Memory Care Clinic and Gentiva Hospice for their dedication and care of our Mother, Nana, Sister, Aunt and friend.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Christian Church San Angelo, located at 29 N. Oaks St., San Angelo, TX 76903 on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the West Texas Boys Ranch or Grace Christian Church San Angelo.