"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 

ESTHER ELIZABETH (née WALTER) HOFER, of Welling, AB, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the age of 70 years. 

Esther leaves behind her husband James, son Ryan (Beth Ann) Hofer, daughter Tanya (Jake) Meyer, and three grandsons: Duane, Bradley, and Devin Meyer. She was affectionately called "Mim" by "her three boys". 

We wish to thank her sister, Aunt Ruthy, for her loving care in the last three weeks, and her cousin Rachel Hofer for her lifetime of love and friendship. 

Mom was born on October 17, 1952 in Lethbridge, AB to Darius and Barbara Walter. She was the youngest of five children. She grew up as a little hutterite girl at the Felger Colony, south of Lethbridge. As a young girl she loved to help tend the garden, the ducks and geese, playing with her dogs, and riding the Shetland pony. She would tell us many times about "Tony", and how he would stop in his tracks, put his head down, and she would end up sitting right on his wobbly neck. She had many happy stories of her childhood which she enjoyed telling whenever she had the chance. 

Mom and dad got married in 1974 and set up a house in the coulee along the Pothole Creek. She lived there until she died. 

Mom enjoyed gardening for many years and kept at it even when her health made it difficult. Every summer she filled her planters with beautiful, colorful flowers. 

For several years mom baked cinnamon rolls and cookies to sell at farmer's markets under the name of Tia's Chuckwagon. Mom worked as a cook at Diamond Willow Lodge in Magrath. The residents there loved her food and her fun-loving spirit, and she loved them. 

She adored her family, and her grandsons were her pride and joy. Many happy hours were spent rocking, singing, playing, and loving on them. 

Mom, we love you so much and your passing will leave a hole in our hearts that will never be filled until we see you again in heaven. 

A Wake Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

A Funeral Service will be held at COLLEGE DRIVE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2710 College Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jakeb Meyer officiating. 

A Graveside Service will be held at MAGRATH CEMETERY on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 3:30 PM with Jerald Herbert officiating.