Esther Marie Boreson, 91

Esther Marie Boreson was born March 20, 1921, in Watford City, N.D., to Norwegian immigrants Odin and Bertha Berntson. She was the youngest of eight children who were all raised on the family potato farm. 

She passed away at home Dec. 21, 2012.

Esther’s family was very musical and her love for music started in her youth, singing with her brothers and sisters in their church choir. This love for music grew and she became an accomplished musician. She could play many instruments — the guitar, accordion, piano, drums and tambourine, all by ear. Her ability to sing and play delighted family and friends throughout her long life. A family favorite was listening to her perform the song, “I Overlooked an Orchid While Looking for a Rose.”

Esther met and married Bud Sax and resided in Williston, N.D. They had four children, Jerry, Linda, Leon and Cindy. Later she moved to Whitefish  where she met and married her husband Vernon Boreson. They had three children, Vernell, Alden and Susan.

Esther had many jobs throughout her life, but she really enjoyed being an Avon representative. Her most memorable position was the one that God gave her being a mother. Esther’s first love was always family, never failing to lavish them with great meals, laughter, music and wise guidance that only a loving mother could give. One of her favorite gathering places was “The Cabin” she had built in the beautiful Montana mountains for her family. And what a wonderful family she had.

She was not only the mother of seven children; she was also the grandmother of 21 and the great-grandmother of 46, with one more on the way, and the great-great-grandmother of six. She had such great love for them all. All these beautiful babies started with one beautiful, twinkling, smiling Esther.

Esther was one of Jehovah's Witnesses. And she loved Him.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Boreson; her parents, Odin and Bertha Berntson; siblings, Margaret, Bernice, Leif, Lekne, Hans, Marion and Ida; and her beloved grandson, Leon Sax.

Esther is survived by two brothers, Robert Berntson and Allen Berntson; and sister, Karen; her children, Jerry Sax and wife Debbie of Hanover, Pa., Linda Puryer and husband Bucky of Eureka, Leon Sax and wife Nancy of Columbia Falls, Cindy Prescott and husband Robert “Bob” of Kalispell, Vernell Drollinger and husband Randy of Kalispell, Alden Boreson of Kalispell, and Susan Kelly and husband Curt of Kalispell; numerous nephews and nieces; and all her wonderful grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m., Dec. 29, at Johnson-Gloschet Funeral Home with a reception following. The location will be announced after the service.