Esther Anderson

Passed away September 14, 2015 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, MI. Esther was born May 11, 1922 in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the daughter of Arthur J. and Mary (Gorthy) Anderson. She grew up in South Bend, IN and graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School where she played flute in the high school band. In 1944 she graduated with a BA degree from Kalamazoo College. Esther lived for many years in the Washington, DC area where she was employed by the United States government. She retired in 1978 as a cryptologist after 33 years with the National Security Agency. In 1994 she moved to Kalamazoo. Esther had long been interested in gardening and the outdoors. She began welcoming wildlife to her new garden area in Kalamazoo and in 1998 her property was certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. She was a member of the Grow and Show Garden Club. Esther was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo. A longtime knitter, she knit many caps for newborns to be contributed to local hospitals as a church project. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by cousins Ruthann Summers of Vermontville, Rachel Zimmer of Portland, and Frank (Muriel) Gorthy of Evart. Following her wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at 3p.m. Monday, September 28, 2015 at South Martin Cemetery. (South of Martin on 10th St. in between 114th and 112th) Memorial gifts may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo or to Kalamazoo College. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes, Plainwell.