Middle River - Esther R. Ness, 82, died Tuesday, November 11, 1997 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 14 at First Lutheran Church in Middle River with Pastor John Jorgenson officiating. Special music was provided by organist Lois Peterson and soloist Lois Anderson. Casketbearers were Greg Jevne, Gary Hammer, Elwin Ness, DelRay Ness, Bradley Ness and Roger Lorenson. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery in Middle River. Arrangements were with the Collins Funeral Home of Middle River.
Esther R. Laine was born on December 10, 1914 in Marshall County near Middle River, the daughter of John and Minnie (Anderson) Laine. She attended school and grew to womanhood in the Middle River community and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
On December 19, 1934 Esther was united in marriage to Alfred Ness at Middle River. The couple farmed near Newfolden and then moved to their farm in Cedar township near Middle River where they resided for many years. Esther was a long-time member of First Lutheran Church of Middle River. Alfred died on December 15, 1988, and Esther continued to make her home in Middle River.
Esther is survived by one son, Marvin of Middle River; one daughter, Florence (Glen) Hammer of Badger; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one son, Ray in August of this year; and her twin brother, Aino, in infancy.