Esther E. Larson , age 73 of Paris, loving wife and mother, unexpectedly was taken home to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 2, 2009 in Big Rapids. She was born September 5, 1935 to Andrew and Evelyn (Green) Andel. Esther married LeRoy Larson in Wahpeton, North Dakota on January 22, 1954. Esther was known as a very loving person, always there helping someone. She loved the outdoors, especially gardening and working with her flowers. You could often see her mowing her lawn and everyone else's lawn. She enjoyed bingo, card playing and teaching family members card games. LeRoy and Esther enjoyed traveling, spending winters in Texas and Florida and summers in North Dakota. A trip to Germany was a "trip to remember" . Esther was a Den Mother for several years. One of her favorite pastimes was spending time with her grandchildren. During the holidays she made hundreds of dozen rosettes that were shared by many. If you were at any gathering where there was music, you would find Esther and LeRoy dancing, especially waltzs and polkas. LeRoy was involved in many tractor pulls and Esther kept all the records for him. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, LeRoy of Paris; 3 children, Beverly (Robert) Gammons of Paris , William (Connie) Larson of Big Rapids, and Bruce Larson of Paris; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 5 sisters, Leona (Phil) Peterson of Washington, Ethel (Marlyn) Smith and Shirley (Roger) Romfo both of North Dakota, Blanche (Carrroll) Olson and Judy (Mike) Pratt both of Minnesota. Besides her parents, Esther was preceded in death by a baby sister, Dorothy and a sister, Ruth Polda. A memorial service will take place 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Matthew Deames officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 6th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Esther's name may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left online at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com.