Esther Ruth Balsiger, age 101, died Nov. 16, 2007, at Hood River Care Center.

Services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. at Anderson’s Tribute Center. A reception will follow.

Esther was born Oct. 4, 1906, the second child of seven, born to John and Lillian (Pierce) Hutson in Hood River, Ore. She attended China Hill school in Parkdale, Barrett Elementary and Hood River High School; graduating in 1924.

She entered nursing school at Portland Sanitarium and Hospital graduating in 1928. She continued nursing in Portland until 1931 when she returned to nursing at the Hood River Hospital. While nursing in Hood River she met a patient, Alfred Balsiger, from Ione, Ore., whom she married in 1937.

They operated a General Petroleum dealership and a small cherry orchard until Uncle Sam called him to service in World War II. While Alfred was in the service Esther worked at The Dalles Hospital. She also did special home nursing in the area.

Esther enjoyed fishing and traveling. She also enjoyed flowers to the fullest extent. She always thought of others, visiting those in the hospital or nursing homes and never forgot anniversaries, birthdays and holidays.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alfred, sisters Clotilda, Idell and Ruby; and brother, Harold.

Survivors include brothers Leonard (Speed) and his wife, Viola Hutson, and Dr. Elwood and his wife, Berniece Hutson; and a number of nieces, nephews, and great- and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Concluding services and interment will be at Idlewild Cemetery.