Esther A. Abbey

Esther A. Abbey, 87, of Cottonwood died April 12. She was born December 2, 1922 in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of John H. Marshall, Sr. and Alma V. Loper Marshall. She worked as a secretary. She was a foster parent for 32 children. She received employment awards at the age of 79. Her family will be remembering her great sense of humor which was enjoyed by all. She was a member of the Church of Christ, serving as a pastor's wife and as pianist and a teacher. Her hobbies included reading, writing, poetry, playing piano, collecting bells, enjoying board games and sewing. Her family will remember a beloved mother who freely gave unconditional love to her family and friends with ears that truly listened, arms that always held and a heart made out of gold. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred R. Abbey and a son, John R. Abbey. She leaves a son, Ricky Wainman of Pasadena, California; daughters Jan Bowser (Leonard) of Cottonwood, Judy Abbey, Joy Morgan, Tammy Rock (Jim) of Sierra Madre, California and Glenda Ramirez (Ernie) of Buelton, California; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 24 in the Westcott Funeral Home at 2 PM. Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice Compassus, 70 Bell Rock Plaza, Sedona, AZ 86351-9066