Nichols, Iowa Esther E. Christofferson, 96, of rural Nichols, died peacefully Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at Mercy Hospice Care in Iowa City following a short illness. Family will meet with friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 8, at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Liberty. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at the Nichols Cemetery. Esther Elizabeth Ogren was born April 5, 1915, to Anton and Edith Johnson Ogren in rural Johnson County. She married LeRoy Christofferson on April 5, 1933, in Iowa City. He died in 1991. They had one son, Harry of rural Nichols. Esther was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her two grandsons were the lights of her life. Esther approached life with energy and enthusiasm and was still mowing her own lawn at the age of 95. She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and was known for her Christmas candy and other sweet treats. Esther also enjoyed entertaining her friends at their soup suppers and her co-workers from the Cheese House at Kalona where she worked until she was 84 years old. A life-long farm-wife, she enjoyed gardening, traveling, and many types of handiwork, but especially time spent with her family. She loved watching her grandsons show cattle and hogs at the Muscatine County Fair and the Iowa State Fair. Esther attended country schools in rural Johnson and Muscatine Counties. She and her husband LeRoy farmed for many years in rural Nichols and Esther had lived in the same house since 1945 until her illness. She and LeRoy enjoyed playing cards and going to dances with their many friends during their marriage. Esther also enjoyed bowling and was a member of several championship bowling teams. A long time member of Eastern Star in Nichols and Lone Tree, she held several offices including Past Worthy Matron. Esther was involved in many clubs during her life-time and enjoyed the companionship and sociability of her large circle of friends. Left to treasure the many memories are her son Harry (Jo Ann) of Nichols; grandsons Andrew (Jennifer) of Marion and Jason of Bondurant; great-grandchildren Brantley and Ainsley Jo Christofferson; a brother Carl Ogren and wife Wilma of Lone Tree; nephew Rick Ogren and nieces Phyllis Kesler, Barbara Bailey, and Charlene Albright. Esther was preceded in death by her husband LeRoy, parents Anton and Edith Ogren, a brother Harry who died in battle during WWII, and a sister Anna. Memorial contributions may be made in Esther’s name to Iowa City Hospice or to Mercy Hospice Care in Iowa City. Esther’s family wishes to acknowledge the care and compassion that was given to our mother and grandmother during her last weeks as well as the friendship and comfort provided to us by the staffs of Iowa City Hospice and Mercy Hospice Care; for that support, we will be forever grateful.