Esther Elizabeth Haburn

Esther Elizabeth Haburn, 90, passed away in her sleep on March 14, 2024. Esther grew up in the small town of Wheatland, Wyoming. She trusted Christ as her Savior at a young age. Esther studied at Northwestern University in St Paul, Minnesota, where she met Bill Haburn. They were married in her parents’ home in Wheatland, Wyoming, on June 15, 1954. Bill and Esther moved to the Pacific Northwest, where Bill served at Western Baptist College (now Corban University) as Academic Dean, head of the Christian Education Department and professor. Through the years Esther served the Lord alongside her husband, by showing hospitality to college students, having missionaries often stay in their home, as well as friends and family from out of town. Esther loved to read and worked at the Bible Book House, (now Rainbow West), for 34 years. She encouraged many people by sending them cards, and was a prayer warrior. In the early afternoon you could find her sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee, her prayer notebook and Bible to spend some time with her Savior. Esther was an accomplished pianist and enjoyed serving at church. She helped in the children’s program and loved to knit and sew. Many Mexican children received warm hats, and little girls received pretty dresses made by Esther. Her grandkids loved her home baked cookies and pies. Esther loved to travel and went on a missions trip to Honduras, as well as to Brazil. For the past four years Esther has been living at Bonaventure Retirement and Assisted Living Center in Salem, Oregon. She communicated the love of Jesus through her smiles and concerns for those around her. She is missed by all. Esther is survived by children: Rachel (Philip) Stucky, serving as missionaries in Brazil, Tim (Jayne) Haburn of Salem, OR, and Shiela (Mike) Uphoff of Salem, OR, 16 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved and appreciated Aunt Esther. A memorial reception will be held on April 6, 2024 from 1:30pm-3:30pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 645 Cleveland St., Aumsville, OR 97325.