Esther Naneville

Esther gave her life to the Lord when she was 14 years old, and her last spoken words were “I Love You Jesus”, to which he replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” – Matthew 25:21.

Esther was born in Hancock, MI on June 11, 1942, daughter of the late Edward Kukkonen and Irene Juntilla. She was a terrific homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother.

Esther was preceded in death by her loving husband of 34 years, Alfred Ellsworth Naneville, her beautiful daughter, Cindy Marie Naneville, and her vivacious sister, Sandra “Sandy” Lee Aittama (Kukkonen).

She is survived by her son Joseph (Clay’re) Naneville of Windsor, VA, and daughter Pamela (Andrew) Hollibaugh of Midland, MI; two grandchildren, Matthew (Sicelie) Naneville, and Stephen Hollibaugh. She is also survived by her siblings, Edward “Eddie” Kukkonen Jr., Richard “Ricky” Kukkonen, Peggy (John) Pulkinen, and Robert “Bubba” (Barb) Kukkonen, along with several nieces and nephews.

A true Yooper, Esther enjoyed most of her life in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the past six years with her son and daughter-in-law in Windsor, VA. Esther was a special lady who saw the good in every person, in any situation, and was loved by everyone she met. She enjoyed reading the Bible, bird and squirrel watching, listening to old time country music, and watching old Western movies and TV shows where the hero rides off into an awe-inspiring sunset.

“Sunsets are proof that endings can often be beautiful too.” – Beau Taplin

There will be a private burial service at a date to be determined in June at the Mountain View Cemetery in South Range, MI.