Esther Evelyn Sperling was born on August 13, 1921 on the Westerhaug family farm homestead. She was the youngest of four children born to Clyde and Ida (nee Fenske) Westerhaug. Esther received her education at the Creekside School. On September 5, 1946, Esther was united in marriage to Stan Sperling at the United Church in Yorkton, SK. The young couple moved to Toronto, where Esther worked for Spencer Shoes and Stan was employed as a Night Supervisor with Campbell Soup. In 1947, Esther and Stan returned to Saskatchewan to the family farm. They bought five Holstein calves and started their own dairy. During the years on the farm they were blessed with the birth of three children, Laverne, Brian and Garry. Esther loved music and was a talented musician, she could play the organ, piano and accordion. She enjoyed playing at various locations, at the senior's centres in Yorkton with Stan accompanying her on the violin. Esther also loved going dancing, with Stan and later with her many friends. She belonged to the United Church Women (U.C.W.), Theodore United Church Chior, the Home Makers, the Saskatchewan Women's Institute in 1971 and then the local Creekside Women's Guild. A wonderful friend to many, Esther was happy to pick up all the ladies for coffee. The greatest love of her life, however, was her family and she especially enjoyed visits with her new grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Esther's family will be eternally grateful for the special memories they have of their loving and beloved Mother, Grandma, Great-Grandma and Friend. Esther was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Stanley in 1999; her parents, Clyde and Ida Westerhaug; her sister, Eldora Knutson and brothers, Arthur and Clarence Westerhaug. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory, her daughter, Laverne (Gordon) Salyn and their children, Crystal (Trevor) McIntyre (and their children, Mackenzie and Kaden), Chad (Kristin) Salyn (and their child, Manning) all of Calgary, AB; her son, Brian (Mary Jane) Sperling and their children, Jeff (Lindsay) Sperling (and their children, Rylee and Jaxon), Jodi Sperling (Craig Bartel) and his daughter, Breanna and Jerald (Annette) Sperling (and their children, Keanan and Chace); her son, Garry (Karen) Sperling and their children, Bobbie (Kent) Worthington (and their children, AuLaura, Shaina and Gabriella), Bridgette Rushkewich (Neil MacDonald and her children, Kalli, Caleb, Rilen), Beau Sperling, Robert Sperling, Rebecca (Steven) Bencze (and their children, Kierra and Carter) as well as numerous other relatives and many good friends. Funeral Services were held on Monday, December 9, 2013 from Westview United Church in Yorkton, SK. with Reverend Molly Kitchen and Reverend Brock Shaver officiating. The organist, Laurene Jemieff led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art", "Beyond The Sunset", "In the Garden" and "Go Now in Peace". Soloist, Debbie Thompson sang Esther's favourite song, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You". The Interment Service followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Chad Salyn, Jeff Sperling, Jerald Sperling, Robert Sperling, Beau Sperling and Trevor McIntyre serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
