Esther Howard Croft, 96, of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2004 at Rosewood Health Center. Memorial Services will be 10:00 am Monday, February 2, 2004 at Speaks Midtown Chapel. Cremation. Esther was born October 11, 1907 in Umatilla County, Michigan to Jesse and Margaret (Millen) Washburn. She is survived by her sons Gilbert Howard (Rosabelle) of Aurora, CO and Benjamin Howard (Carol) of East Moline, IL; 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Esther was preceded in death by husbands Percy Howard, Orva Croft and a son Darrell Howard.