Esther I. Abernathy
88, Cheboygan

Esther I. Abernathy, age 88, of Cheboygan, passed away at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012.
Esther was born in Cheboygan on May 9, 1924, the daughter of August and Lydia (Olsen) Hoglund.
Esther was a teacher in the Cheboygan Area School System for more than 30 years. She began her teaching career in the rural one-room school houses in Cheboygan County, eventually receiving her Bachelor of Education from Central Michigan University. Esther had roots established in Swede Town and had a keen interest in Cheboygan's history.
She was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Cheboygan for many years.
Esther and her husband, Russell, were instrumental in starting the Cheboygan Area Snowmobile Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family, baking, sewing, quilting and painting. She had a love of nature and gardening.
She is survived by her three daughters, Kristeen (Jack) Frost, Sandy (Russ) Rasmussen and Jeni Abernathy; four sons, Charles (fiancée Debby Fisher) Abernathy, Randyl (Carol) Abernathy, Scott Abernathy and Shane Abernathy; 16 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind one sister, Edith Leith, and two brothers, Alvin and Leroy Hoglund. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; parents, August and Lydia Hoglund; five brothers, Alf, Roland, James, Donald and David; four sisters, Marion, Marvel, Doris and Shirley; her daughter-in-law, Tami Abernathy; and a grandson, Brandon Turner.
Visitation will be held Friday, Jan. 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at the Evangelical Covenant Church on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Carl Franzon officiating. Burial will take place in Pinehill Cemetery in the spring.
Her family has suggested memorial contributions be given to Together Lifting Children (TLC), C/O St. Thomas Church, Covenant Church or Cheboygan Public Library. Those wishing to sign an online register book are invited to do so at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com.