Esther M. Stals, Aug. 31, 1926 - July 9, 2014

Esther Marie (Befort) Stals, age 87, of Lenox, MA formerly New Bedford died Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at the Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center surrounded by her daughters.

She was the widow of Bruno Stals.

Esther was born in Hays, KS to John C. and Barbara (Steinbeck) Befort and had lived in New Bedford since 1947.

Mrs. Stals was a communicant of St. Joseph-St. Therese Church in New Bedford. She worked as a Sales Clerk at the former Arlan's Department Store, volunteered at Parkwood Hospital and was a homemaker for many years. Esther enjoyed gardening, watching the birds at her bird feeder, and cross-stitching, but most of all being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by 3 daughters: Patricia Souza of New Bedford, Donna Wenger of Stephentown, NY and Sandra Gould of Mattapoisett; 2 sisters: Bernice England of New Bedford and Jane Gottschalk of Tribune, KS; 7 grandchildren: Jennifer & James Souza, Bryan & Matthew Eklund, Patrick & Maghan Gould and the late Bobby Eklund Jr.; 4 great-grandchildren: Alexis, Marissa, Coryn and Shaun; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also the sister of the late Agnes England, Josephine and Albina Pfeifer, Irene Wilson, and Clarence, Bill, Alex, Conrad, Al and Francis Befort.

Her Funeral will be held Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 8:00 am from the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford with a Funeral Mass at 9:00 am in St. Joseph-St. Therese Church, Acushnet Ave. followed by burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 7 pm.

Memorial Contributions to Hospice Care in the Berkshires Inc., 877 South St., Suite 1W, Pittsfield, MA 01201.