Esther Lee “Babe” (Zitterich) Durante

Esther Lee “Babe” (Zitterich) Durante, 88, of La Grange, died Friday, March 27, 2015. Esther was born in Park, Texas on Dec. 15, 1926, the daughter of Alvin and Elsa (Anders) Zitterich. She married Gaspar “Shorty” Durante on Aug. 18, 1945. Esther was a clerk at Fayette County Auction Barn for many years. She loved polka and big band dancing with her husband. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening and her pets. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary #102 and Sons of Hermann Lodge #238. She is survived by daughter, Maria Durante of La Grange; two sons: David Durante and wife, Linda, of Austin; and Garry Durante and wife, Stephanie, of Austin; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gaspar “Shorty” Durante on Nov. 13, 2004; sister and brother-in-law: Angeline and George Turvey. Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 from 12 to 7 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange. Family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral Services were held at St. James Episcopal Churchin La Grange at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Burial followed in La Grange City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, 1048 N. Jefferson St., La Grange, Texas, 78945, www.hospicebrazosvalley. org; or a charity of one’s choice. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com. Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was in charge of arrangements.