Esther L. Kagele

Esther L. Kagele passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 95 years and 7 months, on Feb. 28, 2007, at Lakeridge Care Facility, Moses Lake.

Bom July 26, 1911, in Ralston, Wash. to Emelie and John J. Gross. She lost her mother at age 7 during the 1919 flu epidemic and was raised by a childless aunt and uncle at Marlin, Wash.

Esther took nurses' training, meeting her future husband John D. Kagele and they married in Ephrata on Sept. 14, 1933. They farmed close to Odessa for many years and she also worked at Pronto Foods in Moses Lake. Throughout their marriage they were active square dancers, enjoyed bowling and loved to travel and go camping and fishing with family and friends. They retired to Moses Lake where Esther continued bowling up to 2002 at the age of 91.

She also enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family, especially German dishes requested by her family. Esther was well-liked and highly respected by family and friends for her positive attitude. She never complained and was an exceptional role model with her can-do attitude and courageous will to survive any obstacles encountered in life. She will be missed by all whose lives she touched and we visualize her now as tending the animals and flowers in God's gardens.

She went to join her beloved husband of 58 years who preceded her on July 2, 1991.

She is survived by her children: Darlene Joy (Loren) Horst, Randall John (Nanette) Kagele all of Moses Lake and Shelia Kay Haptonstall of Lynnwood, Wash. Grandchildren: Michael Dale (Kathy) Horst, Lori Lynn (Peter) Owens, Kathy Jo (David) McMains, JoAnne Kay Haptonstall, Tina Marie Kagele, Deana Ann Kagele and Curtiss Scott (Jessica) Kagele. Great-grandchildren: Robert Michael (Jenn) Horst, Jennifer Lynn Foster, Derek David McMains and Kevin John McMains. Great-great-grandson: Wyatt Michael Horst. Numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Mitzi.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on March 8, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1020 South A St. Moses Lake. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in her name to the Moses Lake Humane Society, Immanuel Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.