1928 - 2020
Esther Jo Parmelee Emerson, our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, neighbor and friend,
passed away peacefully in her home with her daughter at her side on November 16, 2020, a
beautiful, clear and crisp morning, and joined her Lord and Savior and family members who
preceded her in eternity.
Esther was born in Texarkana, Texas on July 9, 1928 to Harold Perry Parmelee and Lelia Mary
Henry Parmelee, the youngest of three children and affectionately known as “mouse”. While
still very young, her family moved to Colorado, where they lived in Pueblo and Denver. At the
age of 14, Esther’s family moved to Salt Lake City, which became her home for the duration of
her life.
Esther attended the University of Utah where she affiliated with Kappa Kappa Gamma and
graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology.
Esther married Robert Raymond Emerson in 1950 and together they shared 49 years, until his
passing in 2000, and raised three daughters: Mary Louine, Julie Ann, and Ellen Jane. They
were also blessed with four grandsons: Robert William, David Perry, Michael David and
Matthew John.
Esther worked for the “telephone company” for over 20 years. After retiring, she enjoyed
traveling, especially taking cruises with her neighbor friends. She was an active member of
Mount Olympus Presbyterian Church from the time it was founded until her passing and served
the church in many capacities. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter L for over 50 years,
where she served as president and most recently as chaplain. Esther loved animals, having
never been without a pet dog or cat until her final year. During her retirement years, she
adopted several senior dogs in need of homes and cared for them tenderly.
Esther was kind, compassionate, generous, spiritually strong, decisive, practical and had a
memorable sense of humor. She truly lived for her family, friends and faith. She was a
wonderful cook and sewed, crocheted, knitted, and needlepointed many beautiful treasures for
her family members. Because of her generosity, her daughters and grandsons have never
wanted for anything, especially her love and support. Her gracious approach to life will always
be a model for them to emulate. Hers was truly a life well lived in service to God and others.
Esther is survived by her daughters Mary Lou and Janie, and her grandsons Bob, David
(Krystal), and Mike. Esther is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her daughter Julie, her
grandson Matt, her parents, her sister Louine Cross and brother Robert Parmelee, and
numerous beloved pet cats and dogs who were waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private family services will be held. In memory of Esther, her
family suggests reaching out to an elderly person isolated by the pandemic, or adopting a
senior cat or dog in need of love and a forever home.
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