November 22, 1920 - November 12, 2017
Esther Elizabeth Annis Obituary Esther Elizabeth Annis was born on November 22, 1920, and passed away peacefully on November 12, 2017, ten days shy of her 97th birthday. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Esther was the firstborn daughter and the 4th of 11 children of Immanuel and Elizabeth Frey. Around the age of five, she moved with her family to Graceville, Minnesota. Several years later her family relocated to Hoskins, Nebraska, where she graduated high school as valedictorian of her class. In 1939 Esther and her family moved to Denver, Colorado, where she began working for the telephone company. It was there that she met her future husband, Bob. Quite persistent, Bob asked Esther to marry him close to 100 times before she finally consented. In order to spare her family the expense of a wedding, they eloped in Wyoming (and honeymooned in San Francisco) in 1947. After several years in Denver, Esther and Bob moved to Boise, Idaho where they were introduced to the Dale Carnegie Courses. Bob became a sponsor for those courses and they moved to Billings, Montana to pursue that career, and later to Spokane, Washington. They worked together in that profession touching many peoples lives until their retirement. Spokane remained their home until death and they were happily married for 51 years. Family and faith were deeply important to Esther. Esther and Bob had five children, one of whom died in infancy. She loved people and became friends with people of all ages, including her wonderful neighbors. Esther was also a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother, a source of warmth, kindness, and wisdom. After losing much of her hearing, Esther learned to use an iPad in her 90s so that she could continue to stay in touch with her family between visits. They shared everything from details about family happenings to updates on Seattle sporting events, especially the Mariners. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren remember her messages of encouragement and love, and her endless supply of Lucky Charms. Esthers life was defined and guided by her faith. The daughter of a Lutheran pastor, she was a founding member and attended St Matthew Lutheran Church throughout her life in Spokane. She devoted time to enriching the church community, which became like a second family to Esther. For years she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and shared her love of hymns by playing the organ for her church. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, eight brothers and sisters, her husband Bob, her infant son Richard, and her grandson Lemuel Price. Esther is survived by her sister Miriam Frey, her brother Phil (Helen) Frey, her children Barbara (George) Price of Dixon, MT, Robert Annis of Spokane, WA, Jim (Shu-i) Annis of Winfield, IL, Jerry Annis of Seattle, plus eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. There will be a service for Esther at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Spokane, at 10 AM on November 22nd. Burial will be at Spokane Memorial Gardens at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church or to the Spokane Humane Society. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Esther, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events NOV 12
Comments