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1919
2018
Esther Freda Gallaher, age 99, a 71 year resident of Barstow, WA, passed away on Oct. 10, 2018, surrounded by her family at her home of 71 years. Esther was born on Sept. 20, 1919, in WaterVille WA, the daughter of George and Anna Marie "Mary" (Loebsack) Willms.
Esther has a twin sister, Florence, who passed on Jan. 27, 2016, at the age of 97. Nearly all of her family, including her parents passed away in their 90's.
Esther attended school in Waterville, WA, and graduated in 1936. She then continued her education at a Secretarial School following high school. On July 16, 1939, she married Warren Dale "Wormy" Gallaher. Esther had met Wormy at a dance while in her teens and often reflected that she saw him sitting with his cowboy hat down over his brow and she walked by him and knocked it off his head only to later marry him. Wormy and Esther moved to his wheat ranch in Mansfield and farmed there, raising wheat, cattle, horses and hogs. Esther loved animals and had quite a few Shetland ponies along with the horses they rode and chickens, sheep, dogs and cats that they raised. Flowers were always important to Esther and she kept a lovely yard. In Oct. of 1947, they moved to Kelly Hill, after visiting her sister Dorothy and her husband, Art Barrett. She loved her spot on Kelly Hill and Wormy brought the hogs, horses, milk cows and farm machinery from Mansfield. Eventually the hogs were sold and the Hereford cattle and Shetland ponies, Welsh ponies and Half sized ponies were the focus. Many folks in the area bought ponies from the Gallaher herd.
Esther made their house a home. She held Halloween parties at the house for her children, nieces and nephews with homemade donuts, candies and treats. She also hosted Sunday church gatherings which were always followed by potluck dinners. In the 1960's and 70's she hosted family gatherings at the farm with potluck dinner, crafting for the ladies and card games from the guys. The children were "turned-loose"! Esther has also enjoyed a "hair day" every Friday since 1969. It was a social club of her girls and neighbor ladies and they would have coffee and sweets while setting Esther's hair in rollers and curling it for the week, a nearly 50 year tradition!
Esther China painted for over 40 years, acted in several Barstow Grange plays and was a fun-loving woman with many friends and a neighbor to all. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She never had any trouble getting kids to come out to haul hay. The Gallaher girls and Esther's meals drew plenty of help. Esther and Florence enjoyed celebrating their birthdays for over 90 years. Esther expressed her love through her actions and lead always with honesty and an honorable character. She had spunk and was feisty, but never missed an opportunity to help anyone in need. Esther took many country side car rides but only a couple vacations and read her bible every day. She loved her home and was able to stay there throughout her 15-year battle with dementia with the care of her three daughters and Cherie and Cherinna McNitt.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Doss Barry Gallaher; grandchildren, Todd and Devonna Gallo and a great grandchild, Theresa; siblings, Charles, Marie, John, Dorothy, Al and Florence.
She is survived by her daughters: Toni Robertson, Dinah Gallo (Jerry), Beverly Marshall; grandchildren, Kevin, Alan, Rex and Derick Robertson, Josh Marshall, Kim Peterson, Casey Marshall; great grandchildren, Trever Robertson-Haynes, McKail, Jaci, Payton, Brianne, Kasey, Dylanie, Baylee and Brayden Robertson, Jacob, Megan and Conner Marshall, Hunter and Colten Maddox, Stephanie and Chantel and Taylor Peterson, Emmet and Addie Marshall and 9 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of extended family.
A memorial service for Mrs. Esther F. Gallaher will begin at 11 A.M. on November 10, 2018, at the Barstow Grange. Memorial contributions may be given to the Kettle River Grange.
Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory - Colville.
2 Entries
You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalms 119:7
October 24, 2018
As you remember your love one, as God heals your broken hearts (Psalm 147:3), may your treasured memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength to endure.
October 20, 2018
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