Esther U. McCollum, 86, died Nov. 28, 2003, at her home in Clinton after a long illness.

She was born Nov. 25, 1917, in Shook, Mo., to John and Stella Richmond. On June 19, 1934, she married Ernest McCollum Sr. He died Nov. 22, 1986.

In 1988 she moved to Whidbey Island to live with her son, Ernest Jr.

She is survived by two sons, Ernest McCollum Jr. of Clinton and Wilford D. McCollum of Mount Olive, Ill.; two daughters, Natalie Skaggs of Clubb, Mo., and Carolyn Gerdel of Troy, Mo.; 24 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; and 17 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Dec. 2 at Visser Funeral Home, Langley, with Pastor Neil Jo officiating. Burial will be in Richmond Chapel, Shook, Mo.

Visser Funeral Home, Langley, was in charge of arrangements.