Esther Seaman, 85

Esther Seaman, 85, passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008, in Kalispell. She was born Sept. 20, 1922, in Chinook, to Raymond and Jose Fern (Rager) Runnion.

Esther attended school in Chinook and at an early age married the love of her life, George Henry Seaman, on Nov. 30, 1937, in Malta. They made their first home in Chinook and later moved to Havre while raising 10 children. They moved one last time, making Kalispell their permanent residence. Esther and George celebrated 52 years of marriage until George's passing in 1989.

Esther's life work was being a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She has left behind an ongoing legacy of strength, courage, and love for her family and friends. She also will be remembered by all who knew her for her active listening, tender hugging, and comfort food that was part of every visit to her home.

Esther enjoyed reading, her pets, flower/vegetable gardening and preserving food.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband; her daughter, Margaret Black, of Kelso, Wash., in 1977; brothers, Joe and Enoch Runnion; a sister, Rosa Pederson; and a grandson, Pete Springer of Hingham, in 1976.

She is survived by four sons, Vernon and Donald Seaman of Kalispell, David Seaman of Aloha, Ore., and Paul Seaman of Renton, Wash.; five daughters, Luella McCabe of Ridgefield, Wash., Diana Enloe of Rawlins, Wyo., Betty Ann Leap of Tacoma, Wash., Vicki Niederegger of Chinook, and Janet Knauss of Libby; 20 grandchildren; and 37 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters, Mary Ellen Seaman of Chinook, Jean Bosch of Trout Creek, and Rita Dungan Cancellare of Missoula; and one brother, Richard Runnion, of Bozeman.

Funeral services for Esther will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral chapel, with Pastor Tom Glatts officiating. Burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral chapel.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Esther's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Esther's guest book.