Esther Fay Peterson

Esther Redfield Judge Williams Peterson, 93, Great Falls joined her mom, dad, and precious beloved pets on April 21, 2018. Cremation was entrusted to Croxford Funeral Home and private graveside committal was held at Highland Cemetery. Esther F. Redfield was born October 11, 1924 to Wert and Luella (Hovey) Redfield in Great Falls, MT. She was raised in the Gibson Flat Area and attended local schools. In 1942 Esther married Robert Judge. Their union brought them three children; son, Gary and daughters, Patty and Cheryl. Their marriage ended in divorce. In 1954 she married Charles “Bud” Williams and brought Debbie into the world of “hers, his and ours”. With Bud’s passing in 1986, Esther was married to Judd Peterson in 1989. Judd Peterson passed away in 1995. She worked at Mt. Deaconess Hospital, First National Bank, Buttrey Food & Drug and retired from the Elks Club after 21 years as a hostess and waitress. The loves of her life were her pet cats, dogs, and singing canaries. In her later years following retirement she gave treats to all the neighborhood pets while on her morning walks with her dog, Pepper. Her pets were first and the highlight of her life. She treasured her house plants, enjoying tending to her blooming violets and hoyas. Esther was an excellent cook and baker. She made many wedding cakes for friends and family. A meal was not complete without dessert! With her sister, Donna, beside her Esther provided beautiful piano music for Sunday Worship at her church. The last of her years were spent at Beehive Homes in Great Falls due to dementia. Esther is survived by daughters, Cheryl Hirose and Debbie Williams of Great Falls; seven grandchildren; three stepchildren by Bud, Stella Mae of Florida, Terry and Danny Williams of Great Falls; four stepchildren by Judd, Marlyce, Debbie, Kent, and Roger of California; several step grandchildren; great grandchildren; two nieces; and two nephews. Esther was proceeded in death by her parents; baby son, Gary; daughter, Pat Barber; husbands Bud and Judd; ex-husband, Bob; and sister, Donna. Memorials can be made by donor’s choice to: Mclaughlin Research Institute (Dementia) 1520 23rd St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405; Animal Foundation of Great Falls, PO Box 3426 Great Falls, MT 59403; or Peace Hospice, 2600 15th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405. Condolence may be shared with the family at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com

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