Esther Elise Eley

Esther Elise Eley of Blaine, age 74, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on April 8. She was surrounded by her husband, daughter and her loving caregivers.

Esther was born Sept. 18, 1948 in Springfield, MO to Samuel and Ruth Beckdahl. She had three siblings, Dan Beckdahl of Alaska and Elizabeth Grammith of Colorado.

Preceding Esther in death was a brother, Joseph Beckdahl.

The first 12 years of her life were spent in India as a missionary kid where she attended Woodstock school in the Himalayan mountains. There she was made aware of God’s great creation.

At 14 years, the family was sent to East Africa for two years where she attended Rift Valley Academy in Kenya.

At 16, Esther returned to the states where she finished her schooling.

Esther was 18 when she married Jonathan P. Hughes. Together they entered the ministry in Michigan, then to Ohio and finally to Blaine, where they started Northwood Chapel in their home.

In 1989, Jon became ill and she faithfully and tenderly cared for him until his death in 1991.

Together they have four children, 12 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Three sons: Forrest (Debbie) Hughes of Billings, MT; Byron (Nancy) Hughes; and Nathan (Haley) Hughes of Mt Vernon Oregon; one daughter, Fryth (Jim) Rasar of Blaine; three grandsons: Mitchell (Miki), Jared and Stuart; nine granddaughters: Leah (Jesse), Brynn (Seth), Paige (Dom), Janae, Emma (RJ) Sadie, Avery, Katelyn, and Rockee; four great-grandchildren: Raegan, Cam, Atticus and April.

In 1993, Esther met and married John Eley of Ferndale. They had a joyful marriage that proved faithful throughout the struggle of early onset dementia. John lovingly cared for Esther until her last breath.

Esther adored her grandchildren, family and friends. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, painting, sewing, quilting, flower arrangements and creating intricate wedding cakes and decorations.

Esther sang in choirs, lead worship music and women’s Bible study events, but best of all she loved her Lord and Savior with all her heart.

There will be a joyful celebration of her life at Northwood Chapel in Blaine at 1 p.m. June 3. A private burial will be held at Hillsdale Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Whatcom Hospice.