Mary Louise Esser

The community of Genesee has lost a sweet soul. Mary Louise Esser heard her greatest Love whisper and her spirit took wings. Mary Louise Esser of Genesee passed peacefully Friday, April 15, 2016 at Royal Plaza Care Center in Lewiston. She was 94. She was born March 25, 1922 at Clarkston, WA to Henry and Mary T. Kluss Herman. She attended schools in Clarkston and Uniontown before the family moved to Genesee. Upon graduating from Genesee High School she worked for the Farmer's Union Producers Co., now PNW Coop. It was during these years that she dated the handsome fellow who was to become her mate for life. On February 16, 1942 she and Wilson (Weedy) Esser were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Genesee. They farmed for Weedy's brother-in-law for a time, then purchased their farm north of Genesee where they lived, loved and farmed all their lives. Mary Louise was a true "farm wife", driving truck, cooking and delivering food to the fields for harvest crews, milking cows and whatever was required. Mary Louise was dedicated to her chosen profession. A model mother, grandmother and friend, she was devoted to her family, her Church and her God. A lifelong communicant of St. Mary's Church, Mary served faithfully in the Altar Society and played the organ for well over 50 years. She was active in the Genesee Garden Club, the Happy Valley Club, enjoyed sewing, embroidery, knitting, and was an accomplished artist working in oils and tole painting. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Weedy, in May of 2002, brothers Donald and Charles Herman and a great grandson, Kade Smith. Mary Louise had lived at Royal Plaza for the past year and a half. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the staff of Royal Plaza for the love and care they showed her these past few months. Surviving are her children, Joy (Loretta) Esser of Camas, WA, Marilyn (Phil) Wimer of Grangeville and Ray (Connie) Esser of Genesee. She also leaves 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, a sister Moureen (Louie) Greco of Lewiston, ID, sisters-in-law Esther Herman and Barbara Engledow, and abundant nieces and nephews. The rosary will be recited Wednesday at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Genesee followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM celebrated by Rev. Joseph McDonald. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. A lunch and time of remembering will be held at the Genesee Fire Hall afterward. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Mary's Endowment Fund or to the Genesee Ambulance Fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.