Esther Hofer Harbaugh, age 88 of Miles City, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023, at her home following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Esther was born February 12, 1935 in Jordan, MT to Emil and Mary Bollinger Hofer. Esther was the first born, with brothers Birney, Barney & Don to follow. Esther was raised at the family homestead 85 miles north of Miles City, MT until the age of 11. During that time, she attended Pure Water School in Garfield County. Her family moved to Miles City in 1946, where she continued her education at Kircher School and graduated from Custer County District High School in 1953.
Esther married James (Jim) Robert Harbaugh on November 15, 1953, in Miles City, MT at Trinity Lutheran Church. Together, they welcomed three children: sons, Vernie, and Lynn, and daughter Janet.
Esther made her career as a bookkeeper, working for Woolworths in Miles City, MT from 1952 – 1978. She continued her career in bookkeeping following their move to Ashton, ID at Maupin & Son’s Inc. Upon retiring in 1996, Esther & Jim relocated back to Miles City, MT where she has resided until the time of her death.
Esther is survived by her husband of 69 years, James (Jim) Harbaugh; sons: Vernie (Katy) Harbaugh of Miles City, Lynn (Julie) Harbaugh of Miles City; daughter Janet (Larry) Dean of Miles City; 7 Grandchildren: Shawna (Brent) Helm, Lee Harbaugh, Tanner Harbaugh, Tyler (Breanna) Harbaugh, Shantelle Dean, Taran (Kimberle) Harbaugh, and Trevor (Olivia) Harbaugh; 11 Great Grandchildren; Ashlee, Brayden, Bryer, Wyatt, Ava, Brayden, Jerry, Aamani, Sophia, Teigan and Raylan; and brothers, Barney (Bonnie) Hofer, Don (Deb) Hofer. Esther is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Mary; brother, Birney Hofer; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Hofer and nephew, Jonathan (Jon) Hofer.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 6, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday September 7, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the funeral service.
Thursday September 7, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday September 6, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday September 7, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the funeral service.
Thursday September 7, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Mike and Tammy Pecha says
So sorry for your loss.Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck @ Mary Notbohm says
Jan and Lynn and family we are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lance & Chris Gierke says
Lynn & family,
We are so saddened to hear about your mom. Keeping you & your family in our thoughts & prayers.
Lance & Chris Gierke says
Lynn & family,
We are so saddened to hear about your mom. Keeping you & your family in our thoughts & prayers. God Bless
Sandy Maine says
Lynn,Julie,Jim, and all the Harbrough family. Greg and I are so sorry to hear of your mom and wife. It is hard to let her go but know the her suffering is over. You are all in our prayers.
Sandy Maine says
Lynn,Julie,Jim, and all the Harbaugh family. Greg and I are so sorry to hear of your mom and wife. It is hard to let her go but know the her suffering is over. You are all in our prayers.
Linda says
Mister Jim n family,
Words cannot express how wonderful Miss Esther was…
and will be deeply missed. Many THANKS for entrusting me to help care for her, she and your family will always have a special place in my heart! Love You All!!
God Bless!!!❤️
Donna Holman says
Jan and Larry and family,
So sorry to see your mom has passed on. You did such a wonderful job a taking care of her. I’m sure she was so thankful for your help and support!! Hugs and prayers to you💕
Slade and Lynnette Bumgardner says
Dearest Jim and family-
To wake up this morning and see this has my heart broken. Esther was an incredible neighbor, friend and pseudo-grandma to my babies. While I have tears of her no longer on this earth I also think of her rejoicing with no more pain in the streets of gold in Heaven. Thank you Esther for being and example of a loving wife, a devoted mother and a caring friend. You were absolutely one of the best!
Jean Sorensen says
Sorry for your loss your family are in my prayers
Wanda says
Vern,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. Sending you hugs and my sincerest sympathy ❤️
Cara Harris says
Vern and Katy
Praying for you and thinking of you both at this time. Thinking of your whole family as you go through the next few days.
Jennifer Lesh says
Lynn and Julie. Please know you both are in my prayers 🙏
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to the Harbaugh family.
Darbie Karch says
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Diana Elwood says
Dear Family, So sorry to hear of your loss of your much loved Esther. She will be missed. You are all in my prayers.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Harbaugh and Hofer families – so very sorry for your great loss. You will all be held in prayer during this difficult time. Hold your memories dear.
Clifford (Monty) & Laura Monasmith says
So sorry for your loss. Mothers always hold such a special place in our hearts.
Neil and Phyllis says
Bye, dear cousin, you were an awesome person, our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Lynn and family, sending you prayers during this time of grief. May your memories help you fill the hole in your heart.
Bernadette Flemming Miller says
You are in my thoughts and prayers, we just talked about your Mom last week at farmers market. Remember all the good times, I’m sure there are many.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
My condolences all Esters family. She was such a classy lady. Hugs to all of you
Candy Huseby says
Thoughts and prayers. She was a wonderful lady
God bless
Kathy Bollinger says
Jan, when I think of your mom, I see her smile. Her smile lit up from her eyes to her toes. Her kindness, such a kind soul. Her love for her Lord and her family were never questioned. I feel grateful that I knew Esther. May God hold you and all of the Harbaugh family in his loving arms during this trying time.
ELVERA HAGLOF NEUHARDT AND FAMILY says
DEAR FAMILY==WE WERE FRIENDS EVER SINCE WHEN==PIONEERS==WE CAN GO WAY BACK STARTING IN HIGH SCHOOL==THINKING OF YOUR FAMILY AND SENDING OUR BEST WISHES==
Karson and Marie Kluver says
To Esther’s Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Hofer and Farnum families shared many wonderful times together in the valley.
Dave & Agnes Atkinson says
Jim, So sorry we cant make it for Esther Funeral. I have a bison. Deer & Mountain Goat in my garage and with this heat i have to take care of them right away. I wish the best for you and your family, God Bless
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Wanda Hoff Bankey says
So sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Burch and Linda Palmer says
Sorry Jim. Burch and Linda
Dotty Watts says
I remember Esther as being a kind, quiet person when we were in high school. Sorry for your loss
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
To all the Harbaugh and Hofer family: my sincere sympathy to you all and may you find comfort in knowing your friends have you on their hearts and minds.
Vicki McLean says
Vern & Katy; Sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. May you & your family find comfort in knowing she is in God’s hands ,at home. Take care of yoursrlves.