Esther Louise Hill Warford, 85

Esther Louise Hill Warford "went to be with her Lord" on Feb. 4, 2009, in Polson. She was born in Butte on June 10, 1923, the daughter of William James and Anna May Poole Hill. She attended school in Butte, and after high school worked in Hennessy's department store as manager of the drapery department.

Esther married Roger Preston Warford on Sept. 8, 1946, in St. Patrick's Church in Butte. They had four children. She and Roger had a wonderful life together for almost 53 years until Roger's death in 1999.

At the beginning of their lives together, Roger and Esther lived all across Montana - Butte, Missoula, Fort Howe's Ranger Station, Hardin, Miles City, Malta, Bridger and Lewistown. Each of their children was born in a different town. After they returned to Missoula in 1958, the two of them decided Missoula was a good place to raise children, and the family remained there for 34 years. Roger retired in 1978, and in 1992 they moved to their house on Flathead Lake.

Esther was active in school and church organizations. She served as a Girl Scout and Webelos troop leader and as president of St. Anthony's Home School Organization and Altar Society in Missoula. In Polson, she was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church's Parish Council of Catholic Women and the St. Joseph's Hospital Service League.

She cared for Roger and her parents through long illnesses at the end of their lives.

While her children were growing up, Esther remained home with them. She was a freelance writer and for seven years wrote a weekly column, "Just a Housewife," that was carried in several papers of the Catholic Register system.

She enjoyed playing both duplicate and party bridge. She attained the rank of life master in the American Contract Bridge League. While in Missoula, she and Roger enjoyed playing in a monthly pinochle club. In later years in Polson, Esther enjoyed playing Panguingue (Pan) with family and friends.

Esther will be remembered for her smile, kindness and gentleness. She always was willing to lend a hand for work, an ear for troubles, a shoulder for rest, and arms for comfort.

Esther is survived by her children, Esther Anne Sain and husband, Ron, of Pennsylvania, James Roger "Jim" of California, Teresa Faye "Teri" of Polson, and Mary Louise Howard and husband, John, of Lakeside; her granddaughters, Erin Elizabeth Sain Rhoades and husband, Shane, of Pennsylvania, and Jessica Nicole Holden of Missoula; stepgrandchildren, Mark, Tami and Lindsey Haro of California; her sister, Mary Margaret Nickisch, of Billings; sisters-in-law, Nellie Dean Warford Kelly, Mary Warford Stabler, Jennie Warford and Josie Warford Potter; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, it was Esther's wish that donations be made to St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Joseph's Retirement Community, Immaculate Conception Church in Polson, or charity of choice.

There will be a vigil service at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A reception will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, in the St. Joseph Assisted Living Center, 11 17th Ave. E. A funeral Mass and inurnment will be held this summer, when all of her family and friends can join in the celebration of Esther's life.

Arrangements are being made through Grogan's Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson. Condolences may be made to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.