Esther Mathews

Esther Cottle Mathews, 92, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 24, 2010, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of causes incident to age. Esther was born August 6, 1918, in Menan, Idaho. Her parents, William Stephen Cottle and Elizabeth (Rawson) Cottle, were very exceptional people. They taught by example as well as precept, giving love and understanding and all other attributes which ideal parents possess and share with others, especially to their children. Esther always greatly appreciated her parents and love and example given her by them and by her teachers. She was blessed with seven brothers and three sisters. They lived on a farm two and a half miles from town, so they either walked or drove the team and buggy to church meetings, school, and socials. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the gospel and church have always been a big part of Esther's life. She attended Sunday School, Primary, religion class, MIA, Seminary, and Relief Society in her youth. On August 2, 1939, she married Gail Mathews in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple. Their daughter, Esther Gailene, was born August 26, 1945. They moved to Idaho Falls in 1950 and became members of the 4th Ward in the North Idaho Falls Stake. Esther was a homemaker and mother. In 1952, Esther became the first Primary President of the new 10th Ward. She later served as a counselor in the Stake Primary, as a counselor in the ward Relief Society, on the Primary and Relief Society Stake Boards, as ward Relief Society President, as ward Primary Chorister, Relief Society Chorister, MIA Chorister, Stake Relief Society Chorister, and also director of the Singing Mothers . Esther loved music and sewing. Esther is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Gail, her daughter, Gailene (Milo) Hendricks; one grandson, Stephen (Rochelle) Hendricks; and two great grandchildren, James Hendricks and Alora Hendricks, all of Las Vegas, Nevada. She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, Lewis, Joseph, Walter, Lyle, Dave, and Delmont, and two sisters, Roma and Rella. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2010, at the Idaho Falls LDS 10th Ward, 1200 Dunbar, with Bishop Clint Francis officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery.

Funeral Services

11:00 a.m. ,Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Idaho Falls LDS 10th Ward 1200 Dunbar Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Annis-Little Butte Cemetery.