Esther Jewel Akin went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 16, 2023, after a long illness.
Esther was born on March 7, 1933 in White Cloud, Michigan. She is survived by her daughter, Lynda Bauer of Calgary, her son, Stephen (Shirley) of Georgia; and grandchildren, Matthew of New Zealand, Christina, and Joshua of Calgary. She is also survived by her siblings, John (Sharron) Anderson, Naomi Wilder, David (Sandra) Anderson, Anne (Rodrigo) Suarez; and many nieces and nephews. Esther is pre-deceased by her husband, Wayne; son, Joel; and brothers, Daniel Anderson, Phillip (Betty) Anderson; and sister, Ruth Ringler.
Esther started her career at Oldsmobile in Lansing, Michigan. Her 28 year career as a travel consultant began in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, continuing in Menominee, Michigan, Moose Jaw, SK, and Brooks, AB. She was privileged to travel extensively with family members to Australia, Europe, Japan, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Egypt, Israel, Switzerland, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. She experienced various cruises and train trips. Switzerland and Hawaii were two of her favorite destinations. Many adventures were had by all. Her love for travel was passed on to the rest of the family.
Esther was also a pastor’s wife. She helped her husband, Wayne plant several churches in the U.S. and Canada, including the Brooks Church of God. In Gwinn, Michigan, she headed up the huge project of making up to 45 Cornish pasties once a week to sell to the enlisted men at K.I. Sawyer A.F.B. nearby to help support the building of that church. She lived a full, exciting life.
Esther was a self-taught but very accomplished pianist and played for all the church services for many years. She also sang musical arrangements for services with her husband, and also as a trio with her sisters for several years. She was also good at hospitality and had a great sense of humor.
Esther will be placed with Wayne in the Garden of Peace Cemetery. The inscription on the grave marker reads ‘FOREVER WITH JESUS, HOME AT LAST’.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation in Esther’s name to a charity of their choice.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written,
For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Annie Suarez says
I will forever miss my big sister. We have countless memories that go way back to childhood although I was a little girl when she left home. She was old enough to bring me into her home and help raise me. Prepare the way to our final destination, sis. I’ll be there before you have time to miss me. I love you, always and forever.
Rod never got to meet you but prayed with me every day for you. His heart was for you. He’ll meet you up there.
Our hearts go out to especially Lynda who was full time caregiver for a long time and all the family. Love, Annie Anderson Collins Suarez
Marcia Smithwick says
I have so many great memories of Aunt Esther and Uncle Wayne. She always made their home welcoming to us when we visited. She had fun stories to tell and lots of laughter. She was warm, loving and giving. She was more than just a sister in law to my Mom. Aunt Esther and my Mom have always had a deep love and friendship with each other. Aunt Esther met my husband John, and let me know she approved of him before I married him. That meant a lot to me. She is home with Jesus and Uncle Wayne now. She has no more pain. John and I send our love to Lynda and Steve and all the family.
Michaela Hannem says
I met Ester quite alot of years ago before her Husband Wayne passed away. They were always so lovely to talk to and would invite you in for a cup of tea and a visit. After Wayne passed away, I used to always shovel the walkway in the winter time and she would always give me heck about it… so I started doing it secretly in the middle of the night after work so that I knew if she needed to go to any appointments the next morning she would be able to safely do it. And of course she would phone me and thank me for doing it. If she caught me shoveling her walkway she would always invite me in for a cup of tea and a nice visit. I will always cherish those memories, and my heart goes out to Linda, Stephen and Family at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Ester you are now with Wayne and Joel and no longer in pain anymore.