Esther June Alkire died peacefully Oct. 25.

Esther was born in Macrorie, Saskatchewan to her Norwegian parents, Oscar and Anna Finsand, on June 28,1917. She married George Junior Alkire of Missoula, Mont. on April 4, 1942.

Esther earned a B.S. from Walla Walla College and a medical technology degree and an M.A. in mathematics from the University of Oregon. She was a member of Sigma Xi and Pi Mu Epsilon.

Esther was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother . Her family and friends remember her for her optimistic outlook on life and her enthusiastic involvement in various school and church activities. She participated in a number of organizations including the American Association of University Women, the Mid Columbia Symphony Guild, Friends of the Library , tutoring, Questers and as an educational advisor of Beta Sigma Phil. Her love of outdoor life included golf, tennis, boating and RV adventures. Her travels took her to all 50 states as well as many countries.

Esther worked as a medical technologist in Portland and as a statistician in Oak Ridge, Tenn. during World War II. She enjoyed a teaching career as a mathematics instructor at the University of Oregon, Ohio State University and Columbia Basin College.

Survivors include three married sons and seven grandchildren: Tom, Dyann, Michael and Natalie of Portland; Bill, Wilma, Darren and Marie of Olympia; Richard, Roxanne, Kendra, Trevor and Ryan of Maple Valley. She is also survived by two brothers, George Finsand of Vancouver, Wash. and Omar Finsand, Walnut Creek, Calif., and three sisters: Frances Groff, Richmond, B.C., l1a Horn, San Jose, Calif., Lillian Fleming, Vancouver, B.C. and 23 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Alfred Finsand, and her sisters Olive Leander and Myrtle Moscrip.

Esther was a member of Central United Protestant Church, Meadow Springs Country Club, Clover Island Yacht Club and the Sons of Norway.

A memorial service will be held Nov. 10 at 2pm at Central United Protestant Church, 1124 Stevens Drive Richland, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Mid Columbia, Symphony, the Richland Library or Hospice.