Esther Amidon

Esther L. Amidon, 76, passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at the Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, with her family by her side. She was born January 6, 1933, the 11th child of William and Bertha (Wheeler) Chapman, at the family farm in Antrim County. She married Darrel Amidon of Rapid City, a marriage that lasted more than 60 years. She was well known in the Rapid City area, where they made their home, through her many gifts and talents in music. She played piano and organ for her church, for funerals, marriages and family gatherings for many years. Her abilities extended to other creative activities, including gardening and community work. She was supervisor of Clearwater Township for many years. She helped her husband design and build their home near Rapid City as well as their summer cottage in Curtis in the Upper Peninsula. Other hobbies she enjoyed included needlework, crosswords, and scrabble. Esther is survived by her husband Darrel, her daughters Karen Amidon of Traverse City, Kathy (Paul) Mallory of Grand Marais, her sons Arthur (Sue) Amidon and James Amidon of Rapid City and Mark Amidon of Nogales, AZ, sisters Mary (John) Larsen of Traverse City and Ruth (Don) Johnson of Mancelona, 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many, many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her sister Jean Bengtson, brothers Edward, Vernon, Arvis (Sam), Alvin, Robert, Keith, Thomas, and James, and her youngest son Charles Amidon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 11, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Mary Brown officiating. The family will receive friends Friday, April 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, from Noon until the time of service. Interment will take place in Clearwater Township Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the old township hall in Rapid City. Memorials may be directed to the charity of ones choice. Two of Esther's favorites were Christian Children's Fund and the The Smile Train. Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.