Esther Selby

Esther "Alberta" Selby, 92, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. She was born on January 9, 1918 in Fairview, KS, the daughter of John P. and Westhilla Alber Iwig. She was raised in the Watson Community on a farm before moving to Topeka in 1937 and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1939.

Alberta was employed as an office clerk for the Santa Fe Railroad for 15 years before retiring in 1956. She later was employed by U.S.D. 501 as a cafeteria employee before retiring in 1980. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where she was active with the United Methodist Women and was a charter member of the Homebuilders SS Class. She was also a member of Capitola Rebekah Lodge No. 219 and the Santa Fe Retired Employees Club.

Alberta married Leo L. Selby on March 4, 1956 in Topeka. He preceded her in death on December 19, 2001. She was also preceded in death by a granddaughter; Yolanda Hailey, a son-in-law; James Hailey and a brother; Tracy Iwig. Survivors include one son; Clayton (Cindy) Selby of Berryton, two daughters; Valinda Hailey and Leanna (Harry) Stewart of Topeka, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Grace United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. in Eskridge Cemetery. Alberta will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to Grace United Methodist Church, 2627 S.W. Western St., Topeka, KS 66611 or to Midland Care Hospice Services, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.