Esther Sundberg

Esther L. Sundberg, 92, of Mesa, Arizona passed away May 1, 2017. Graveside services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11 AM at Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca.  She was born in St Joseph, Missouri, on September 10, 1924 to Charles and Nora Vaughn. She and her husband moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1977. After Esther graduated from high school in St Joseph, she moved to Washington, DC. There, she worked as a secretary for a federal government agency during WWII. Later in her life, one of her most beloved jobs was volunteering at Banner Baywood Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenneth Sundberg, and her brother Charlie Vaughn. She is survived by her children Ronald Dubbs, Donald Dubbs, Larry (Jill) Dubbs, and Annie Vaughn, step-children Kraig Sundberg and Pam Lovell, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. During their marriage, she and Kenny shared many years and created many memories through square dancing. When her youngest children were young, they all enjoyed the summer trips they would take to many states and places of interest in our wonderful country. She had a passion for reading novels, working jigsaw puzzles, and watching the Arizona Diamondbacks. She thoroughly enjoyed her travel club adventures and the sights she was able to see and visit with her many friends in the club. Esther was a member of Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa, Arizona. The many years of community and fellowship she felt there were truly appreciated. She looked forward to being able to volunteer at their biannual rummage sales. As part of Esther’s physical therapy routine, she attended twice weekly water therapy sessions at Desert Pain Institute in east Mesa. Throughout those years, she came to value the many treasured friendships with staff and other participants far more than just the physical therapy benefit. She also highly cherished the many lasting friendships she developed over her twenty years of monthly visits to her salon. These visits were a highlight of her month. Many thanks to all of the medical personnel and caretakers who cared for Esther in her times of need. Esther spoke often of their kindness and compassion.  If you would like, please feel welcome to make a contribution in Esther’s name to the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org