Esther Michaelis Obituary Esther Mae (Thompson) Michaelis realized her wish to "die and go to heaven" on April 27, 2024 at the age of 109. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024 at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So. Burial will follow at the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Caldwell. Esther was born to Henry and Olive (Rongstad) Thompson on October 7, 1914 on her parents' farm in South Dakota. The second of seven children, she was the only girl. She attended Plano Consolidated School, graduating in 1932, after which she attended Northwest Nazarene College, graduating in 1937 with a degree in Education. She taught History, English, and Sewing for two years in eastern Idaho, and then returned to South Dakota to help care for her paternal grandmother and a brother who had contracted polio. In 1946, Esther returned to Nampa and resumed teaching. She married Robert Michaelis on June 1, 1948. They had two sons, Stephen and David, followed by Norma Jean, adopted in 1961. An active member of First Church, she taught childrens Sunday School for 61 years. She was a Cub Scout leader and, in a reflection of 19th century progressivism, an officer in the Womens Christian Temperance Union. Helping others brought her much satisfaction, and she gave of herself for as long as she could do so. In Esthers words, she "will always be remembered as a happy person." Surviving Esther are sons Stephen; David and spouse, Konnie; grand-children Whitney, Marcus, Mason, Andrea, and Matthew; and great-grandchildren Addison, Maclin, Maren, Maeleigh, Avianna, and Brock; and her brother Donald. Other surviving family members include many nieces Patty Hills was especially close to Esther and nephews; and son-in-law Oscar Cortez. Extended family include the biological siblings of Esthers daughter Norma Jean, whose names are Sandoval and Rodriguez. These relationships brought much joy to her life. Her parents, Henry and Olive Thompson, preceded her in death, as did her husband, Robert Michaelis; her daughter, Norma Jean Gieg; daughter-in-law, JoAnn Michaelis and 5 brothers, Paul, Robert, Howard, John and Raymond Thompson. The family would like to thank all of the care-givers at Park Place Assisted Living, Nampa, and Journeys Hospice for their compassion while caring for Esther. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Childrens Sunday School Department at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th Ave. So., Nampa, ID 83651. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com Services Celebration of Life Monday May 6, 2024 11:00 AM Nampa Funeral Home 415 12th Ave. So. Nampa, Idaho 83651