Esther V. Wils, 76, of 8722 15th Road, Rapid River, MI, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday evening November 26, 2008 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Esther was born January 29, 1932, in Stonington, the daughter of Oscar Rudolph and Mary Ovilia (Erickson) Leadman. Esther was raised in Stonington where she attended the Stonington School and later the Rapid River School. She later received her G.E.D., which she was very proud, due to the fact of receiving the highest score in the state of Michigan, at that particular time.
Esther was united in marriage on March 4, 1961, in Escanaba, to Gerald Wils and together they made their home and raised 6 wonderful daughters at their present location.
Esther had worked for Northern Motor Rebuilders before receiving a position as a caregiver, through the Community Action Agency. Esther was employed at the Community Action Agency, for a number years, until her retirement.
Esther was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. She served as the Sunday School Superintendent and she also taught Sunday school. In addition, Esther taught bible school, served as the church organist, served as treasurer for the Trinity Ladies Aide and she also helped with the Trinity quilting and sewing group.
Esther was a “self taught” musician learning to play the organ, piano, guitar and the accordion. She belonged to the “Last Resort Band” and was also well known for her yodeling.
Esther loved playing cards and games, of which she could be very competitive. She was an excellent cook, and her family fondly remembers her baked pies, cookies, bread and Zwiback toast.
She was an accomplished artist, painting with oil and acrylic, but her favorite was her latest venture with water color. She always signed her paintings with one of her favorite Psalms.
In addition to her husband Gerald, survivors include;
6 daughters: Cindy (Mark) Raspor of Stonington, MI; Arlene (Randy) Cass of Kenosha, WI; Della (Scott Morgan) Heatley of Krakow, WI; Elizabeth (Clifford) Coppock of Escanaba, MI; Rose Ann (Tony) Parham of Gurnee, WI; Gerri (Scott) Demeuse of Escanaba, MI
1 brother; Raymond Leadman of Rapid River
1 sister; Eleanor Siitar of Rapid River
16 grandchildren; Mark J. (Toni), Nathan (Katie), Marty (Jenny), Tara, Sarah, Michael, Matt, Mitchell, Nikki (Sam), Dylan (Katie), Ryan, Sean, Cody, Allen (Kym), Andy and Adam.
5 great grandchildren and 1 in the creation process; Paige, Tyler, Nicholas, Ethan, and Hailee.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by;
Son-in-law; Mike Heatley in 2000
2 brothers; Wilbert and Edward Leadman
1 sister; Gladys Jacobson
Esther’s family will receive friends on Monday December 1, 2008 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stonington. Funeral services celebrating the life of Esther V. Wils will follow at 6:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church with L.L.M. David Mason officiating. Coffee and bars will be served during visitation. Burial will be in the Lakewood Cemetery in Stonington.
