Esther Dena Hicklin, 95

Esther Dena Hicklin passed away Aug. 9, 2015, with her loving family, son, and daughter by her side. Esther was born April 20, 1920, in Belgrade.

Esther celebrated her 95th birthday on April 20 of this year.

Esther moved with her family to a small farm in Whitefish in 1932. On July 9, 1938, Esther married Edward “Kirby” Hicklin in Kalispell. They celebrated 69 years of a loving relationship. Esther and Kirby moved to Polson from Clancy, after Kirby retired. They helped their daughter Jeanie and son-in-law Francis Williams in the cherry orchard. Esther and Kirby were dedicated members of First Baptist Church in Polson. On Oct. 15, 2007, Esther lost Kirby who was the love of her life.

Esther so loved family, grandkids, friends, her cat, Pritzie, and her church family. Esther lived alone for nine years in her own home, being very independent, active, and keeping a sharp mind.

Esther is survived by daughter Karen “Jeanie” Williams, of Polson; grandson William “Bill” Williams and his wife Melody; great-grandsons Daniel and Benjamin Williams, of Lavon, Texas; granddaughter Kim Stallknecht and her husband Kurt; great-granddaughters Ariel and Alanis, of Bigfork; son Milton Hicklin, of St. Helens, Oregon; granddaughter Tammy McLean, of Seattle; great-granddaughter Brooke McLean, of Seattle; great-grandson Beau McLean, of Helena; granddaughter Therese Phillips and husband Greg; grandsons Zayn of Bothell, Washington, and Allen Shive of Newberg, Oregon; great-great-grandson Brody of Newberg, Oregon; grandson Troy Hicklin and his wife Julie; great-grandson Jace Hicklin, of Longview, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Esther was preceded in death by seven sisters and three brothers.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the Lake Funeral Home, Polson. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at First Baptist Church, Polson with Pastor Scott Craven officiating. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will follow the services at First Baptist Church.

Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church in memory of Esther.

Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.