Esther M. Garbow's Obituary
Stanwood - Esther M. Garbow, 95, of Stanwood, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at her residence. She was born September 10, 1922 in Morley, the daughter of Paul and Jennie (Nelson) Spetoskey, and lived in the area her entire life. The youngest of 12 children, Esther's father died when she was only two months old. In 1941, Esther married Carlton R. Garbow, and they lived on their farm with their two daughters, raising crabapple and cherry trees. For many years, Esther also worked for Wolverine World Wide, where she made many friends. In 1963, they moved to their house near Stanwood, and Carlton passed away in 1990. Esther also enjoyed crafting and being able to give many of her works away. Esther is survived by her special friend of 20 years, Donald Dunham, two daughters, Patricia (Robert) Utter of Stevensville, and Pauline (Dale) Verrill of Howard City; six grandchildren, Kelly (Keith) Wilson, Thomas (Sandra) Linn, Michelle Krieger, Douglas (Darlene) Linn, Christopher Krieger and Gina (David) Stump; 13 great-grandchildren; 27 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; plus a close friend of the Spetoskey family, Al Houseman. She was also preceded in death by her mother in 1959, 3 brothers, and 8 sisters. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 17, 2017, at the Northland United Methodist Church in Stanwood, with Rev. Gary Bondarenko officiating. Burial will be in the Big Prairie Township Cemetery in Newaygo County. Esther's family will greet friends at the Mohnke Funeral Home on Thursday, November 16, from 4-7 p.m., and at the church after 10:00 a.m. on Friday. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for the Northland U.M. C. with envelopes at either the church or funeral home.
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