Esther (Starkel) Ramm

Esther (Starkel) Ramm, age 92, passed away on April 11, 2008, in Moses Lake.

Esther was the last surviving member of the Jacob and Elisabeth (Baus) Starkel family of Marlin and Almira, Wash. Esther was born in Walla Walla, on Jan. 1, 1916. At age 4 the family moved to a farm south of Marlin, then moved to a farm north of Marlin, where Esther was raised and went to school at Cannawai country school, graduating from Marlin High School. Esther married Herman C. Ramm on Oct. 11, 1938, and they farmed north of Ruff before moving to Moses Lake where Herman worked in construction of Larson Air Foce Base. Then, he moved back to the family farm north of Marlin, for over 50 years. When Herman retired they moved back to Moses Lake, then to Joseph, Ore., for 16 years and Milton Freewater for 12 years, making many good friends. The last move was back to Moses Lake more than six years ago, to be close to family. Esther's husband passed away in 2002. Her five brothers, three sisters and one great-grandson have also passed away. The surviving family members are, one son, Loren, known as Larry Ramm and one daughter, Judy, and son-in-law, Elden Trexler of Moses Lake, and sister-in-law, Lydia Urquhart of Puyallup, Wash. There are eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren surviving Esther also. Esther held membership in the Eagles Lodge #2577, Grand Coulee, and was a life member of Cannawai Grange #837, holding numerous offices over the years. Esther was a bowler, and loved animals and flowers, especially two house kitties. The family extends a "thank you" to the staff of third and second floors of Samaritan Hospital. Sincere appreciation is extended to the caregivers of Sand Ridge Home Care, Shawna Davis and staff for competent and compassionate care of our mother, Esther Ramm.

In lieu of flowers for the funeral, please send contributions to Cannawai Grange #837, or to Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation or to the local Heart Fund, in care of Strate Funeral Home of Davenport, Wash. Services for Esther Ramm will be held at the Four Square Church in Odessa, on Friday, April 18 at 1 p.m. Pastor Steve Rice, officiating. Final resting place will be in Odessa Cemetery, Odessa. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, Wash., is caring for the family.