Esther Louise (Green) Heppner was born in Poplar Montana on February 11, 1939, the fourth child of four children, of Ralph William (Pat) and Marie Elizabeth (LaRoque) Green. Her father was born in Anoka Minnesota. Her mother was born in Minot, North Dakota.
Jack and Esther were married 25 years, she was 17 years old when she got married and was married on August 9, 1956, in Zortman, Montana, Phillips County.
Esther Louise (Green) Heppner passed away on May 23, 2020, at 6:33 pm at her home in Helena, MT. She was comforted by her daughter, Lisa, at the time of her death, but was surrounded by family members earlier that day. She was 81 years young because to her, age was just a number. She never felt old!
Esther was a nurse’s aide for over 18 years. She worked in the bakery at County Market for about 8 years till it closed, then worked at the Albertsons bakery for a short time. Finally, her career ended at Walmart as a greeter which she enjoyed. There, she loved to see people when they came to shop, and they loved her as well. She had coworkers that loved and remembered her even well after retiring. Saint Peter’s hospice workers enjoyed coming to visit her and take care of her. They loved her cat, Max.
Esther had 3 cats in her lifetime, Malcolm, sweet pea “baby”, and Max who was only 2 years old. Max was there with her when she passed.
In her early years, she loved crocheting. She made Afghans and craft doll crochet dresses. Her cats, old game shows on tv, western movies, and tv shows like The Walton’s family show, Andy Griffith Show, Bonanza were her favorite. She started watching Jimmy Swaggart about 6 years ago and that’s when she started to know God’s heart. She sought God daily by reading her bible and watching Jimmy Swaggart in the afternoon and evening. She loved reading her bible and she wanted all of her family to know Jesus. When she had a problem, whether health or finances, she “gave it to Jesus” she said.
All who knew her loved her. She was a child of God and earth has lost a wonderful human being, but the heavens have gained a true angel. You are home. Rest in peace.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Rosemary Green, and her brother David Green.
She is survived by her son, LeRoy Heppner, two daughters Lisa Heppner, Luann Schmidt and her husband Robert, and her son Lance and his wife Sara; eight grandchildren, Jacob Heppner, DeLaney Heppner, Lacee Heppner, Kenny Smith, Amanda Schmidt, and Josh (Amanda) Schmidt, Shania and Sophia Heppner; and four great-grandchildren Makenna Schmidt, Jacob Foster, Noah Schmidt and Ariya Schmidt. She is survived by her sister Kathleen (Green) Shipp; numerous other relatives and friends. We miss you beloved mom, grandma, and friend; you’ve always been our angel.
Private family services will take place. A graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Esther.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 16, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 16, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Sherrie Bertrand says
Sorry for the loss of your mother she was a neat lady
Colleen Phillips says
Esther was an amazing woman with a heart for God and a deep devotion to her family. Each time we met, she would update me on the happenings of her family and make a point each time to tell me I was a blessing to her. Her life, her attitude and her resilience were a testament to her life. I will fondly remember her love of God’s word, a good cake, white loaf bread and Bonanza. We could all be so happy as Esther. Go with God – we will see you again one day ❤️
Glenn and Tess Shipp says
I would’ve loved to know Esther personally. The obituary is beautifully written and brings her to life in my heart. I can just see her at Walmart being a greeter. A bet people loved her! I am so sorry for your loss. She is in a beautiful place now. Heaven gained another angel. Love to Esther’s family and sending our condolences
Glenn and Tess Shipp
jessie (Work) lesofski says
I still always picture Esther with rollers in her hair, getting ready for work. I think of her laughing with my Mom after taking Speedy in to get his hair and nails done (“REally, Esther? Did you have to give the poor guy PINK toenails and bows this time?” “Well, it was better than that ugly blue!” ) . It was an adventure knowin’ her.
Julie Massaro says
I so enjoyed visits with Esther when she was a greeter at Walmart. My husband and Lance were in the military together and she always asked how Rick was doing and loved to talk of how proud she was of Lances service. My condolences to her family. Thank you for the beautiful tribute for a beautiful woman.
Clint Anderson says
So sorry to hear. Thinking of you all at this time. Take care..