Esther L. Mossholder

Esther L. Mossholder, age 93 of Westby, died Saturday, May 30, 2009 . Esther Leila (Anderson) Mossholder, age 93, passed into eternal life on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. She was born on July 28, 1915 to Oscar and Izora (Perkins) Anderson near Bloomingdale, Wis. She was their only child. She was baptized at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church on September 5, 1915. Her father passed away on September 10, 1916 when Esther was still a youngster. Her mother married Charles Masrud on September 13, 1919. Esther spent time between their home and the home of her aunt Hattie and uncle Jim Wirts. Esther taught in several rural Vernon County grade schools before marrying her love, Theron Mossholder on May 24, 1939 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They farmed and Esther continued teaching. Eventually Esther became a full-time farm wife until Theron passed away on January 18, 1968. A few years later she taught at St. Marys Ridge. She moved off the farm and into her home in Westby in August of 1985. Esther was a great person to pick berries both on the farm and her home in Westby. She loved to dance, being a clown and traveling in the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska visiting casinos. She volunteered at the Westby Meal Site and belonged to the Westby Senior Citizens Club. Esther is survived by a sister-in-law, Rose Marie Parr of Tomah, a special doctor friend, Dr. P T. Bland of Westby, who cared for her for over 50 years; many special nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theron; mother and father, Izora and Oscar; her stepfather, Charles Masrud; and many uncles and aunts. A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 12:00 noon until 3:00 p.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street in Westby. Her funeral will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at the former Sugar Grove United Methodist Church of rural Westby. Pastor George Shick will officiate with burial in the adjoining church cemetery. Blessed be her memory. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.