Esther Andersen

Esther Ann Wellard Andersen, 87, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 28, 2016, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Esther was born March 31, 1929, in Howe, Idaho, to John William Wellard and Gertrude Isabelle Andrews Wellard. She grew up in Howe, Spencer, and Hibbard, graduating from Sugar-Salem High School. She received her nurse’s training at the LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls. During that time she was on call with the Air Force Reserve in case they needed nurses.

On November 8, 1951, she married David Willis Andersen in Rexburg, Idaho. To this union were born 3 children, Brian, Karen, and Julie. Esther and David made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. David passed away February 15, 2000. Esther worked as a registered nurse in labor and delivery at LDS Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for over 40 years before her retirement.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She completed many quilting and sewing humanitarian projects. She enjoyed activities with her family, especially her grandkids, traveling, camping, bowling, playing cards, and being a caregiver for her family. Esther and David enjoyed going on road trips together.

Esther is survived by son, Brian (Karen) Andersen of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Karen (Harold "Butch") Foster of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Julie (Tim) Finup of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Cleo Klingler of Rexburg, ID; sister-in-law, Eunice Wellard of Wendell, ID; brother-law, Victor Tam of Firth, ID; sister-in-law, LaReta Andersen of Rigby, ID; 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, David, her siblings James "Bud" Wellard, Velva Young, Oral Wellard, Iris Colton, Dallas "Duggan" Wellard, Phyllis Banta, Birdie Wellard, Carol Findlay, Juanita Tam, and John "Dick" Wellard.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2016, at the Idaho Falls LDS South Stake Center, 20th and Emerson, with Bishop Todd Hillam officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday from 6-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and on Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery.

The family suggests donations be made in Memory of Esther to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Funeral Services will be held