A graveside service will be held for Esther Agnes Adams Hanes on Friday, May 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Reardan Cemetery, in Reardan, WA. As the result of advanced age, Esther passed away peacefully on May 3 with her family by her side. Esther, daughter of Ottilie Janke and Emil Adams, was born December 2, 1914 on a farm in Edmonds, North Dakota. Her indomitable spirit was tested immediately, being born amidst a severe blizzard in the middle of winter. A twin sister did not survive but Esther went on to live ninety-five productive years. Esther shared her life with her husband, Don Hanes, whom she married January 20, 1937. Since 1939 they resided in the Chewelah area. Throughout their lives, the couple was wholeheartedly engaged from sunrise to sunset with the rigors of farm life, operating a dairy farm and later hauling livestock for a living. Esther had her own one-ton truck for hauling cattle, and no job was too big or too hard. Esther was a talented seamstress who sewed her own clothes, made quilts, knitted and crocheted, and made stuffed animals of her own design. Esther delighted in cooking for her family and won blue ribbons at local fairs for virtually anything that she entered. At the age of 86, she was still chopping her own firewood and stacking it to heights beyond her own on the front porch of her farmhouse. Although Esther exhibited a tough, no-nonsense exterior, she had a soft spot in her heart for children needing attention, guidance, and love, which she freely gave to many, including nieces and nephews as well as a number of "adopted" youngsters throughout her life. We choose to remember Esther for her tenacious personality and extraordinary accomplishments, and we cherish the many priceless memories we have of her. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Don Hanes, sister Elsie Wegner, brother Bill Adams, and nephew Otis Hanes. Survivors include her niece Dorothy Meidinger and family of Miles City, MT, niece Karen Sullens and family of Spokane, WA, niece Bonnie Toulou and family of Fruitland, WA, niece Alvina Simpson and family of Cathlamet, WA , nephews Dan and George Hanes and families of Spokane, WA and the families of deceased nephew Otis Hanes residing in Spokane and Chewelah areas. Donations can be made in Esther's name to Horizon Hospice, Spokane, WA, in honor of their compassionate care. Arrangements entrusted to HAZEN & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME, 1306 N. Monroe St. [Published in Spokesman-Review from May 9 to May 13, 2010]