Esther Louise (Magie) Gormley, 78, of Highland, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026. Esther was born on May 25, 1947, to Nelson and Jo Magie in Garden City, Kansas. She spent her early childhood in Wichita, Kansas, and graduated from Hutchinson High School. From a young age, Esther demonstrated curiosity, generosity, and a love of learning—traits that would define her life.
Esther continued her education at Hutchinson Community College and later earned her degree in education from Emporia State University. It was there that she met the love of her life, Roger Gormley. The couple were married on July 25, 1970, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Bendena, Kansas.
Esther and Roger made their home in Highland, Kansas, where they raised their three children. Esther devoted herself to her family, giving generously of her time, energy, and love. She imparted wisdom, encouraged opportunity, and ensured her children were exposed to the wider world around them.
For nearly 40 years, Esther served as an educator, teaching English, journalism, and psychology at both Highland Community College, Highland High School, and Doniphan West High School. Her passion for teaching and belief in her students left a lasting impact that continues to be felt by colleagues and former students alike.
Esther was deeply committed to her community and remained active well into retirement. She served in leadership roles for her church, the Doniphan County Community Foundation, Highland Community Action Team (previously Pride), and other organizations. Known for her kindness and inclusivity, Esther had a gift for bringing people together—whether to support a cause or to gather around a table to share nourishment, conversation, and connection, especially with those far from home.
She loved games of all kinds and participated in several Bridge groups throughout her life. In later years, her greatest joy came from time spent with her grandchildren—teaching them new skills, celebrating holidays and birthdays, and enthusiastically attending their extracurricular activities.
Those who knew Esther well recognized the special gifts she brought to every interaction. She will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Esther is survived by her husband, Roger Gormley; her children, Kim (Kevin) White, Sheri (Dirk Lebar) Gormley, and Jay (Michelle) Gormley; her sister, Jacque Cully; and her four cherished grandchildren, Brody, Brooklyn, and Bronx Gormley, and George Lebar. She is also survived by many loving brothers- and sisters-in-law, as well as nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Rick Magie, all of whom she dearly loved.
Mass of Christian Burial is planned for 10 a.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026 at St, Benedict Catholic Church at Bendena, Kansas. Father Mohana Bathineni will be the Celebrant. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
Friends may call the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Highland, KS from 10 a.m – 3:00 p.m Wednesday. A rosary will be recited at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church where the family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. that evening.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church Capital Fund, the Doniphan County Community Foundation Fund or the Highland Community College Foundation.
