Esther E. Ankeny, 94, of Oak Harbor, longtime former Clinton resident, died at Summer Hill Retirement and Assisted Living Monday, July 21, 2003.

Mrs. Ankeny was born on Aug. 15, 1908, in Great Falls, Mont., to Lee Clark Edwards and Rosabell (Watson) Edwards. She was raised in Malta, Mont., and graduated in the Malta High School Class of 1926 as valedictorian. Esther attended the University of Montana in Missoula, receiving her bachelor of arts degree in English. She taught English in Wibaux and Lewistown, Mont. During World War II, she served in the US Coast Guard for two years. Following her service in the military, she attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where she received registered nurses training, graduating after three years. She came to Seattle, where she was first employed at Virginia Mason Hospital.

Esther married Edward T. Ankeny Jan. 6, 1950, in Seattle, where they lived until 1969, when they came to Whidbey Island and settled in Clinton. Both Esther and Ed moved to Summer Hill in January 2001. She had been an active member of the Langley United Methodist Church, where she was involved in the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Maxwelton Community Club. She enjoyed camping, traveling and backpacking with Ed.

Esther is survived by her husband Ed, at home in Oak Harbor; her son, Michael Ankeny and wife Donna of Clinton; her sister, June Johnson and husband Charles O. Johnson of Everett; also, by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four sisters.

A memorial service will be Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m. at Summer Hill Retirement and Assisted Living, Pastor David Lura officiating. A second memorial service will be Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, at 2 p.m., at Langley United Methodist Church, Pastor David Vergin officiating. Memorials may be made to United Methodist Women. Arrangements and cremation under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.