Petersburg Pilot -

Esther Geneva Evans, 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 22, 2014 in Gresham, Or. Esther was born on a farm near Dallas, SD. She was the daughter of James and Hattie Evans.

She earned her teaching degree from Northern Teachers College in Aberdeen. After teaching in various country schools and at a high school in Rosco, SD, she moved to Petersburg, Alaska, in the fall of 1943 to teach business courses at the high school. She later obtained a Master of Arts degree from the Colorado State College of Education.

From 1946 to 2012, she lived in a one bedroom apartment above Hammer and Wikan Hardware Store. She lived one year in the Mountain View Manor before moving to Oregon where her niece and nephew live.

Esther was an excellent teacher. Many students who came to her 95th Birthday Party remarked on how much they had learned. She handled the ticket sales for the games and sometimes worked at the docks in the summer time. In addition to teaching, she sold mutual funds for Waddell and Reed.

Many in Petersburg will remember her generosity in giving away her hand-made goods. She loved her flower garden, bestowing bouquets of flowers on many friends. Her pies and rolls were also famous.

In 1975 she retired from teaching, but she got called back for the 1975-76 school year when the teacher who was hired left suddenly.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Lowell Jensen, and three sisters, Frieda Schenefeld, Louise Gorder, and Ruth Petersen. She is survived by three nephews, three nieces, and five grand nieces and nephews.

A scholarship in her name has been established with the Petersburg School District. Contributions may be made through the district office. For further information contact Karen Quitslund.