Esther M. Garbow

STANWOOD -- Esther M. Garbow, 95, of Stanwood, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at her residence.

She was born Sept. 10, 1922, in Morley, the daughter of Paul and Jennie (Nelson) Spetoskey, and lived in the area her entire life. The youngest of 12 children, Esther's father died when she was only two months old.

In 1941, Esther married Carlton R. Garbow, and they lived on their farm with their two daughters, raising crabapple and cherry trees. For many years, Esther also worked for Wolverine World Wide, where she made many friends. In 1963, they moved to their house near Stanwood, and Carlton passed away in 1990. Esther enjoyed crafting and being able to give many of her works away.

Esther is survived by her special friend of 20 years, Donald Dunham; two daughters, Patricia (Robert) Utter, of Stevensville, and Pauline (Dale) Verrill, of Howard City; six grandchildren, Kelly (Keith) Wilson, Thomas (Sandra) Linn, Michelle Krieger, Douglas (Darlene) Linn, Christopher Krieger and Gina (David) Stump; 13 great- grandchildren; 27 great- great- grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; plus a close friend of the Spetoskey family, Al Houseman. She was preceded in death by her mother, in 1959; three brothers; and eight sisters.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at the Northland United Methodist Church in Stanwood, with the Rev. Gary Bondarenko officiating. Burial will be in the Big Prairie Township Cemetery in Newaygo County. Esther's family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Mohnke Funeral Home, and after 10 a.m. on Friday, at the church.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the Northland UMC with envelopes at either the church or funeral home. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.