Esther Ketterling

Esther Rusch Ketterling passed away peacefully on Monday March 28, 2016 at Grace Assisted Living of Twin Falls. Surviving are her children, Becky (Tony) Tucker and Mark Ketterling; her four grandchildren, Wendy (Brandon) Otts, Mark (Jenny) Tucker, Michael (Neill) Tucker, Joni (Troy) Kofoed and three great grandchildren, Ryker and Mason Otts and Kaleb Tucker.

Esther was born October 11, 1926 in Wiley Colorado to Christian and Julia Rusch. At 3 years of age, the family moved to the Minidoka area where she attended schools. She graduated from Paul High School in 1945.

Esther met her husband Ray when he came to visit family and they married on October 22, 1950 in the Paul Congregational Church. Together they had 2 children Rebecca (Becky) and Mark. Ray and Esther were married for 63 years.

Esther and Ray lived in North Dakota and Montana before settling in Idaho Falls where they lived for 36 years.

Esther had numerous jobs throughout her life, but always fondly remembers her first job at Comstock's (later Clarks) Grocery in Paul, ID. Mom loved being a bookkeeper and worked for several companies in the Idaho Falls area before retiring in 1991.

Esther was a member of the Order of Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron several times. She was also active in 20th Century Club and the Daughters of the Nile. She volunteered for many years at Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, accumulating over 3000 hours of service, and only gave it up when Ray's health required her to be with him more. Mom and Dad were also active members of the Twin Falls United Methodist Church.

In Mom’s younger years, she had a very lovely singing voice and was always asked to sing at weddings and funerals and always was given the solo at Easter and Christmas church services.

After Mom and Dad retired in 1991, they moved to Twin Falls to be closer to family. Mom really enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and attended many school functions and graduations. Mom loved to camp and travel. She also loved to cook and was an amazing pie baker which will truly be missed.

Mom was the youngest of eight children; seven of them girls and all of them preceded her in death. Christ Rusch, Mary McGregor, Katherine Looslie, Bertha Jensen, Hannah Yost Eddington, Mollie Carrota & Erma Schaefer.

Visitation for Esther will be held, Thursday March 31st from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd in Twin Falls. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 1 at the funeral home, with burial being held at 2:30 p.m. at the Paul cemetery, in Paul Idaho.       

The family would like to express appreciation to Grace Assisted Living and Vision's Hospice. In lieu of flowers, a gift to the Twin Falls Methodist Church General Fund would be appreciated.

Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so on Esther's memorial webpage at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.