Obituary of Esther Marie Zeitelhack

Esther was born the tenth child out of twelve children in a two-story farmhouse between the towns of Ritzville, Washington and Odessa, Washington. Her parents Georg Heinrich Christel and Maria Elisabeth (Hartung) Christel were Volga German immigrants who came to the United States via Halifax, Nova Scotia in l901. Esther was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Willis Zeitelhack and her eleven siblings: Katherin Elisabeth, Amalia, Susanna, Marie Katherin, Helen, Friedrich (Fred), Lydia (Peggy), Reuben, Solomon, LaVina Christina and George Henry. The Christel family moved from the Odessa, Washington area to Tacoma, Washington where Esther attended local schools. For fun, Esther and her friends went to dances and the movies. One evening while walking home from the movies with one of her many girlfriends, a couple of good-looking guys tried to “pick them up” in a new car. One of these fellows was her future husband, Willis Zeitelhack! Well, Esther sent them on their way, but Willis was not deterred. Over the next months, Willis frequently stopped by her home winning over her parents. Soon Esther knew that Willis was the “one for her”. Esther and Willis were married October 8, l926. Esther still had at her death the beautiful watch Willis gave her while courting her. He had had her initials engraved on it. Esther and Willis had three children: Beverly Jean, James Richard and Nancy Mariann. All three were loved and cherished by their parents and they in turn, loved and cherished their mother and father. From these three children came 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 6 great- great grandchildren. During WWII, Esther was employed as a welder for a shipyard at the Port of Tacoma. Because of her petite stature and the heavy weight and hauling of the welding equipment down into the holds, Esther decided that being a welder was not the job for her. Her husband Willis was a good provider, so Esther dedicated herself to those she loved most… her family and friends. In l972, Esther went on a European “trip of a lifetime” with her sister LaVina and her sister-in-law, Lavelle (George Christel). The three “girls” flew, walked, road trains and traveled by boat throughout much of Europe and parts of Scandinavia for over two months. Esther loved to reminisce about all the good times they had during those months. She remembered absolutely every detail and what memories they were! Esther’s quick, genuine smile and laughter made everyone feel important and welcome in her home. Her hospitality was widely known, and could she ever prepare a delicious meal in a flash! In fact, she often timed herself mentally to see how long it took and tried to beat her previous record! Her homemade pickles and sauerkraut were delicious…yum! Esther lived a long and fulfilling life where she exuded many fine qualities including love, joy and a wonderful sense of humor. Everyone who knew and loved her has fond and lasting memories of her. She will be sadly missed by all of her friends and extensive family including her many nieces and nephews. Her nieces especially loved how fancy she was with her high heels, painted nails, sparkling jewelry, classic clothing, and perfect makeup. To them, their Auntie Esther was a cutie pie and they (Suzy, Bonnie, Georgia, Carol, Sissy, and Janet) loved her very much. Esther Marie (Christel) Zeitelhack died peacefully at her home in Tacoma with her loving daughters Beverly and Nancy at her bedside. She was 99 years and 7 months old. We will truly miss her. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008