Eileen Ward Estep (1928 - 2013)

Obituary

Our sweet mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Eileen Ward Estep, passed away peacefully, Thursday, June 6, 2013, at a local care facility. She was born May 22, 1928, the fourth of five children to Elmer Mosiah and Susan Irene Thomas Ward in Malad, Idaho.

Eileen attended grade school in Arbon and Malad. She would start school in Arbon as fall work was not finished until October or November, then move to Malad to go until March or April until she was in the fourth grade. Her family then moved to Malad for their schooling because her older siblings were in high school. She graduated from Malad High School in 1946 on her birthday.

Eileen married Luther Estep on October 25, 1947, in Malad, Idaho, at her parent’s home. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple August 24, 2002.

Eileen worked with her husband, Louie, on their farm in Arbon growing wheat, barley, and raising beef cattle until their retirement. When retired, they enjoyed traveling to Arizona and Texas. Eileen was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. She always supported her family in their activities and spent time with them whenever she could.

Eileen was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings. She had many interests including, sewing, knitting, ceramics, wheat weaving, tole painting, photography, and cooking just to mention a few. She shared her love of teaching and her artistic skills as a 4-H leader. She demonstrated at the Blackfoot Fair several times sharing her talents. She reported the Arbon news with stories and photographs for the Power County Press for several years.

Eileen and Louie were selected to serve as Grand Marshalls over the Power County Stampede and American Falls Day activities in 1993.

Eileen is survived by her children, Ken (Valaree) Estep of Arbon, Idaho, and Pam (Weston) Christensen, of Inkom, Idaho; grandchildren, Chad (Cindy) Christensen, Jenny (Travis) Thurston, and Holly (Scott) Vernon; great-grandchildren, Michael, Paighton, Chris, Brylee, Thayne, and Tayler; and sister, Nelda Williams of Arbon, Idaho. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louie; her parents, Elmer and Susan Ward; brothers, Elmer and Darrell; and sister, Helen.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013, at Noon in the Arbon LDS Chapel, 1358 Church Road in Arbon, with President Darrel Ward officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Monday at the church prior to services from 10 to 11:45 am. Burial will follow the service at the Arbon Cemetery. Donations may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Please make checks payable to JDRF and mail to Eileen’s daughter, Pam Christensen, P. O. Box 305, Inkom, Idaho or donate online to JDRF Crazy Pancreas 5k 2013 event. Go to the Crazy Pancreas 5K website at http://idahocrazypancreas5k.blogspot.com/. Click the ‘Donate Now’ button.