ESTHER ELLIOTT
Esther Elliott, dearly loved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Great Great Grandmother, passed away, peacefully, in her sleep, at Sunset Manor, Innisfail, Alberta on March 18, 2017, at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her husband Bill, in 2013, after 69 1/2 years of marriage. She leaves to mourn, her brother Gordon Christensen; children and grandchildren Karen McCulloch (Bill Garland), Rhonda (Hal) Gillrie >Hailey, Tyler. Coreen (Derald) Baumgardt > Alysa, Daren, Greg. Michelle McCulloch. Garnet (Erica). Margaret Elliott (Bruce Montgomery), > Pam (Steve) Mac Kay > Jennifer, Nicholas. Lori (Rick) Bruce > Megan, Brendon. Tara (Dan) > Devon (Charity) Derek, Harley,Savanah. Marilyn Elliott, Charlene Vandenberg (John). Cayla (Dean) Gaudet > Danielle, Abby, Sam. Janel > Bri > Sparow, and Eliot. Carmen (Justin) Vicary > Max, William, Lilly. Nichole (Ryan) Zarowny > Erika, Sadie and James Elliott (Serge Lussier). Esther Christensen was born at Olds, Alberta, Feb. 3, 1922. Her parents were Kristine and August Christensen and they lived, on a farm east of Olds. She had two older brothers, Victor and Christian, and two older sisters, Anna and Elise, whom have all predeceased her. Later her younger brother, Gordon, was born. She learned to sing from her older sisters and parents and loved music. Esther went to Bennett school, four miles east of Olds by horse and buggy. She learned to play music and sew at an early age. She met Bill Elliott in 1938. They began dating and fell in love. In 1940 Bill enlisted to go overseas, asking Esther to marry, and wait for his return. She accepted and wrote letters and sent parcels faithfully. Esther worked as a Nursing Aid in Calgary and Olds, while Bill was away. Finally, he returned and they soon married on June 1, 1944. They lived in Red Deer and Calgary for a short time and then moved to a farm in the Ennerdale district in 1945, where they raised their family. Esther was known, in her community, for her helpfulness, volunteer work with the Ennerdale Ladies Aide, her large garden, beautiful sewing, crocheting, and knitting, excellent cooking and baking, and cleanliness. She raised four children and helped care for neighbourhood children. As her children grew up and Grandchildren started arriving, she was overjoyed. She couldn’t wait for visits and time to baby sit. She made every one of them, beautiful handmade gifts. She loved them dearly –her Grandchildren could “DO NO WRONG”. In 1973, Esther and Bill retired from their farm and moved to Olds. Then, they had more time for picnics, camping and travelling with their family. They had more time for themselves and traveled all over Canada and the world, including a flight on the legendary Concord. Esther volunteered for the Hospital Auxiliary, Legion Auxiliary, and helped with many Legion luncheons, teas, banquets and senior dinners. She belonged to the Lutheran Church and taught Sunday school and volunteered for many church activities, and the Women’s Institute, where she was the “Friendly Visitor”. As Great Grandchildren and a Great Great Grandchildren, arrived, she was busy quilting, sewing, knitting and crocheting for them. They were all special! Her family was very important to her. Esther loved to play her accordion and entertained her family and many people at many functions, Lodges, Olds Hospital extended care, Horizon School etc. She was still playing it, a few months ago. She and Dad sang in the Evergreen choir, for several years. Bill and Esther moved to Mount View Lodge, Olds, in 2011. They loved it there. Later Esther moved to Linden Nursing Home for a short time and then to Sunset Manor Innisfail. The care, at all these facilities was wonderful and the family wishes to thank them all!! Thanks also to Dr Hoeve for his many years of good care. It is Esther’s wish that donations may be made to Stars, Cancer research or the donor’s choice. Funeral service will be held St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Olds at 2 pm April 10, 2017. Heartland Funeral Services Olds, entrusted with the arrangements. 403-507-8610 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com