Esther Athey

Esther J. Athey, age 89, of Duluth, MN Formerly of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 in Duluth, MN. She was born on April 25, 1927 in Hancock County, OH a daughter of Fred and Rosa (Boutwell) Wolber. Esther was the co-owner of Fantasy Coiffures, one of the first large salons in Kalamazoo, for over 30 years. She was always a "people person" and enjoyed being a member of the Michigan Hairdressers Association. She also loved to spend time working with ceramics, reading and being associated with Quota International. On May 2, 1948 she was united in marriage with Albert Athey who preceded her in death on August 14, 1982. She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, James Athey; son-in-law, Douglas Hooker; sister, Avonelle Hoffman; and brother, Edwin Wolber. Surviving are two daughters, Annette (Kevan) Rod of Brule, Wisconsin and Laura "Lori" Bowden of Chelsea, MI; four grandchildren, Michelle Colon, Rick (Mercedes) Huntington, Jennifer Huntington and Brianna Bowden; two great-granddaughters, Violet and Lyla Colon; sister, Isabelle Ladd of Toledo, OH; brother, Jerry Wolber of Ada, OH; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 30th from 11am to 1pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. Services will begin at 1:00 with Pastor Archie Lhamon of Paw Paw Missionary Baptist Church, officiating. Private interment will take place in Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the charity of one's choice.