Esther Marie Siron of Moscow died Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012, just 3 days after her 98th birthday, which she spent at the family lake home in Coeur d'Alene she and her husband built in 1964.
Esther was born Aug. 5, 1914, in Janesville, Minn., to Olof and Clara Lundeen Lundquist. She grew up, attended school and graduated from high school at Janesville. She then attended Mankato Business College at Mankato, Minn. While there she met Ralph Brown Siron. He moved to Moscow to join Esther's brother Walt in the operation of Gamble's Hardware Store. Esther came to Moscow and she and Ralph were married June 14, 1939. She worked at the store which later became Western Auto Store. Esther and Ralph continued to operate the store until 1966 when they sold it.
Following Ralph's death in 1976, Esther worked at Scott's House of Flowers and later for Moscow Florist and Gifts. She was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and enjoyed bridge clubs with friends over the years and gathering for coffee and treats with neighbors and friends. Esther also maintained a well-producing garden for more than 30 years. She could often be seen raking leaves or watering her yard well into her 90s. She will be remembered for her caring and gentle demeanor, her concern for others, her sugar cookies and silver dollar gifts. She was also known to back her car out of the garage during rainy days to have it "washed."
She is survived by her son, Tom, and his wife, Sandy, of Cupertino, Calif.; five grandchildren, Kelly and Gary Grace, Kristi Siron, Kendall and Kapiolani Faiaipa'u, Randy and Leslie Fink and Dan and Hermy Fink; and 13 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Marie Fink, in 2004 as well as her sister, Geneva Lundquist, and brothers Nels, Edwin and Walt Lundquist.
A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, at the Moscow Cemetery with Pastor David Daugs of Emmanuel Lutheran Church officiating. A reception and time of fellowship will follow beginning at noon at Emmanuel Lutheran Fellowship Hall.
Viewing will be noon-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Short's Funeral Chapel.
The family suggests memorials be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.
