Esther Stevens

For 96 years, Esther Stevens worked hard, loved endlessly and enjoyed the company of others. From frugal beginnings, she knew the value of everyday comforts and came to enjoy the little things in life, most importantly family. A treasure in the lives of those who knew and loved her, she will be deeply missed.

Born on April 4, 1915 in the small, rural community of Libertyville, Indiana, Esther's parents, William and Viola (Runyan) Naselroad, were also hard working people. With a bustling household of 16 children, it was difficult to provide for such a large family, but they made do. It was a time of transition in the nation as soldiers were embattled

in war during World War I. On the home front, the once reserved nature of America was

taking on a more complex and progressive aura.

Nestled in her part of the world, Esther grew up with most of her many siblings, but was particularly close to two of her sisters. She was the youngest of the Naselroad clan, and was especially spoiled by her father who adored her. As a child she faithfully attended church with her family where she sang in the choir. In fact, she even sang on the local radio station a time or two.

With the onset of the Great Depression, times were hard for all. For many who grew up during this time, the impact remained with them for years to come, and Esther was no different. She attended the local school and over time grew into a young woman full of hopes and dreams. It wasn't long before life for Esther turned in an entirely new direction when she soon discovered the excitement of love in her heart.

At the age of 16, Esther married her sweetheart, Everett Stevens on February 14, 1932. He supported his young bride working in the coal mines, and they soon began a family of their own. With two children to look after, Esther often worried about Everett working the mines as there had already been at least one terrible mining accident in recent years.

Before long Esther and Everett packed up and moved their family north to the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan where jobs were more plentiful. Before long, their family grew to include two more children. From youngest to oldest, there were 17 years between her children. She was a good mother and provided a good home for Everett and the kids. Around the house she preferred to have things clean and orderly, but was not one to get too stirred up about it. Together Esther and Everett raised their children well and while they were growing up, she seldom needed to discipline them because they were taught right from wrong.

Esther was a wonderful cook. Some of her family's favorite meals included her delicious homemade fried chicken and her homemade noodles were mouthwatering. Believe it or not, she even made the best iced tea. When the kids were young they didn’t travel much, but every couple of years they returned to Indiana to visit family.

When it came to balancing a home and four children, Esther did quite well. She almost always worked outside the home, and did so regularly when the kids were in school. For quite some time she worked at McInerney’s Spring and Wire until getting a job at a restaurant in Grandville. She then moved on to working at the General Motors plant on Alpine Avenue and remained there until retiring.

At one point, Esther and her family moved to a dairy farm in the Marne area where she did many of the milking chores before even leaving for work in the morning. No stranger to hard work, Esther did her share and then some to help support her growing family. Having grown up through the Depression, she was quite frugal throughout most of her life. She rarely spent her earnings on herself, and it was only in her later years did she learn to treat herself to a few conveniences.

Even after retiring, Esther found ways to earn a living. When they moved from the farm, they bought a gas station in Standale which they operated for a few years and before moving on to operating the Brick Crete, a motel on South Division. While there Esther enjoyed having her grandchildren over where fun times were shared swimming in the motel pool. She loved seeing her grandkids whenever she could, and helped out with them whenever possible.

With Everett's poor health, much of Esther's life revolved around caring for him. After finally retiring, they eventually moved to Florida and then on to Phoenix, Arizona where the climate suited him. Esther possessed a fun-loving spirit and loved being out and socializing with others. She dabbled with crocheting, but most of her time was spent at home next to Everett's side.

While living in Phoenix, they received news that their son, Rickey tragically died in an airplane accident which left Esther devastated. A few years later, her beloved Everett passed away, and several years following his death, her son Bob died. Although Esther was a strong woman, she just could not take any more heartache. It was indeed a very difficult and trying time for her.

In time Esther returned to Grand Rapids with her daughter, Jo, and was excited to be near her daughter, Sharon once again who still lived in the area. They often got together to eat out, usually several times a week, which was so unusual for Esther. She came to enjoy their time together and with more financial freedom as she grew older, she found she thoroughly enjoyed shopping. Along with family, she came to love watching NASCAR and became an avid Jeff Gordon fan. She often cheered him on while sitting on the sidelines in the comfort of the living room. Among the many things she enjoyed, Esther always loved listening to the sounds of Elvis Presley.

Heartache once again came her way when her daughter, Jo DeGlopper passed away. In the last years of Esther's life, day to day living became more difficult. She took up residence at a Sparta area assisted living facility until her needs became too great. She then moved to Tendercare Nursing Home in Wyoming where she was lovingly cared for over the last two years.

At the age of 96, Esther passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2011. Although she will be dearly missed, her family is grateful that her pain and suffering has come to an end. A dear hearted woman who loved her family, worked hard her whole life through and sacrificed much, she will be fondly remembered and missed.

Esther is survived by her daughter, Sharon Stevens; nine grandchildren and many great and great-great grandchildren. A service to celebrate her life will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 2:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE where friends may visit with her family from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. To read more about her life, to share a memory or to sign her online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.