Esther Marie Borla, age 95, of Boyes, MT died April 27, 2012 at the Spearfish Regional Hospital in Spearfish, SD.
Esther was born September 5, 1916 on the S.D. prairie in a sod house – the midwife who cared for her was the daughter of a slave. Her parents were Carl H. Benson and Olive Olsen Benson.
Esther attended grade school at Royal Center S.D. – she either walked to school with her older sister and brothers or they hitched a cart to their horse “Jerry” and traveled that way. Her sister Florence who was 8 yrs older helped Esther immensely her first year of school. Esther loved school and was an avid learner. She attended high school in Lead, S.D., graduating in 1934.
On June 30, 1937, Esther married Joe Borla. Joe was working at the gold mines in Trojan. In 1938, a daughter, Darleen was born and in 1940 a son Sam. Joe and Esther moved to Sunrise, WY the fall of 1940 and Joe went to work in the iron ore mines. In 1943 Sally was born and in 1946 Joseph Jr was born. 1948 brought another move for Joe and Esther; this time it was to the family ranch at Boyes to help Joe’s parents. They soon purchased the ranch – they raised cattle and Esther had a little bunch of sheep – she dearly loved her sheep.
Esther was a member of the Boyes Community Club from 1949 until the present time. She was also Clerk of School District No. 22 from 1949 and retired in 1994. She enjoyed traveling with trips taking her to Florida, Oklahoma, the east coast in Washington, D.C., Scotland, Ireland, London, Norway & Sweden. She especially enjoyed traveling to California for the holidays in her later years to spend time with her daughters. She enjoyed reading, visiting with her friends, family, and close neighbor, Lydia Capra, her garden, playing bingo, shopping at the IGA and Copps Hardware, getting her hair done, her rides to Broadus and occasional trips to South Dakota.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe in 1987; two sisters, Margaret Heather and Florence Harrington; five brothers, Elmer, Stanley, Leonard, Howard and Carl. Esther was a devoted family person and dearly loved her children – Darleen Nicholson, Sam Borla, Sally Borla and Joe Borla Jr. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Mark T. Borla, Melanie Borla Butorac, Collin J. Borla, Quinn Borla, Melinda Borla Kelley, Andrea Borla, Shelley Adams, Michael George, David George and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. on May 2, 2012 at the Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus, MT. Burial will follow at the Boyes Cemetery with a luncheon to at the Boyes Community Hall. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Boyes Community Club or to the animal shelter of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Randy & Cynde Trucano says
My prayers to all of Esther’s family. She was a very special lady to me and I will miss her greatly. I know that she is with Joe now and my blessing for both of them. Love you Esther.
Cynde
Bill and Kara Lambert says
To Esther’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Esther was a wonderful lady who always had a big smile and hug to greet me. I so enjoyed her in club and she will be missed. So glad to have known her.
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
Sam, Sally & Jr., So sorry about your Mom. She was always so nice to me and I loved her laugh.
Mike Brown says
Dear Sam and family,
When my dad died in 1971, your card was the first one I received. I’ve never forgotten the friendship you always showed me. I would guess that your mother had a lot to do with that.
Mike
Wayne Wetherelt Jr. & Serena Brady says
To the Family of Esther Borla
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of your mother and grandmother. Esther was always a very kind and strong woman. I was fortunate to visit with her when I was home in Dec 2010 for my parents 55th wedding anniversary. Sally and Esther braved that cold nasty day to attend. Esther is one of the last old timers from the Boyes area where my grand parents lived and I fondly remember the many wonderful people from that community.
May you all cherish the many wonderful memories created with your loved one and know she is at peace again in the arms of the many gone before her.
Robert and Diane Bogner says
So very sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. It is so hard to lose a parent who was such a close part of your daily life and also so dear as she was. May you all find comfort in God guiding you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Bob and Diane Bogner
Ann Wetherelt says
I dearly loved visiting with Esther during the years she was clerk of the school board at Belle Creek. When we moved away, every visit back to Broadus, I was thrilled when she would show up with that huge smile and sparkling eyes. What a wonderful person to have the experience to know. I will miss her so much.