Esther Rose Steele went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on March 12, 2010.

Esther was born on Feb. 8, 1923 to Sam Bowers and Minnie (Van Velsor) Bowers in Prairie City, Ill.

Esther married William Steele on Oct. 5, 1941, in Coupeville, where Bill was stationed in the service.

When Bill was shipped overseas during the war, Esther returned to Galesburg, Ill., where they lived for many years before returning to Whidbey Island. William preceded her in death in 1974.

Esther is survived by her children Larry (Marge) Steele, Duane (Jan) Steele, Mark (Sue) Steele, and Margo (Jeff) Quay. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.

Esther moved to Whidbey Island with her husband and children in 1956 and spent many happy years there while raising her family.

Her family was very important to her, and if she could have had them all live within one block of her home, she would have been extremely happy. She loved having family visit, and she loved making her famous homemade noodles for them.

Esther then worked for Whidbey Telephone Company for many years as a telephone operator, and was able to keep in touch with extended family through frequent telephone calls. She also developed many loyal friendships through her years at the telephone company.

Esther passed away at Golden Dreams Adult Family Home in Bellingham.

Funeral arrangements are with Visser Funeral Home of Langley. A memorial service was held at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

You may leave your thoughts or memories online at www.visserfuneralhome.com.