Esther Morton

Esther (Alkema) Morton was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1932 to Henry and Effie Alkema. At age 9, the family moved to Muskegon, Michigan. She passed from this life into Heaven on Wednesday morning, July 15, 2009. Esther attended several excellent colleges and finished her education with a teaching degree from Western Michigan University. She marched in the graduation ceremony with her husband and two young children looking on from the audience. Esther married her military man sweetheart, Richard E. Morton, 3 months after meeting him. She was preceded by is death in February 2008. They had 3 children surviving them: Cynthia Rae Scholl of Newburgh, Indiana, Richard "Rick" Morton of Muskegon, Michigan, and Kevin Morton of Mears, Michigan. She leaves 3 beloved grandchildren, Alex Morton of Muskegon, Brandon Scholl and Jordon Scholl of Newburgh. Her one great-grandchild, Judah Scholl of Newburgh, never had the pleasure of enjoying her wonderful sense of humor. She taught elementary school in the Muskegon School system for 30 years. She especially enjoyed her last 6 years in developing techniques for teaching English to refugees in Adult Education. For several decades, Esther blessed Grace Youth Camp on Upper Silver Lake (Michigan) with thousands of volunteer hours. She loved helping young people to develop Christian character through godly principles. She had a special love for the disabled and served innumerable week long retreats cooking, bathing, teaching, and serving special need adults. She was adored by all who she served and by those who served with her. Few could compete with Esther in word games. She was victorious more often than not in Scrabble and Boggle. Many competitors learned much from her creativity and keen powers of observation. Esther's sweet spirit and fun loving laughter will be missed by all those who knew her. Her last 18 months of life was spent at Families Manor Adult Foster Care Home. It was the perfect place for our Mom to enjoy the sun setting on her earthly life. They gave her generous amounts of love and took such care in maintaining her dignity and honor as her health failed. We wish to thank Paula, Hope, Sharon, Crystal and Jean for loving our mom as we did. In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to Families Manor, 2330 Riverwood Dr., Twin Lake, Michigan 49457. Services will be held at a later date.