Esther (Engstrom) Rix

Esther Caroline Emelia (Engstrom) Rix passed away peacefully November 16, 2025, at the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre, surrounded by family at the age of 94 years.

Esther was born January 12, 1931, the eldest daughter of Edith and Martin Engstrom, on their farm in the Offerdale district, north of Gwynne, Alberta. Her father grew up just east of Offerdahl, Sweden, before immigrating to Canada...a fun fact that she enjoyed sharing.

As the eldest child, Esther was a big help to her father on the farm. She told that she worked outside, while her sisters did the dishes. She attended Offerdale School for grades ones to nine, then boarded in Wetaskiwin homes, so that she could attend high school in town.

A year at U of A was initial preparation for her teaching career. She taught in several one room country schools, boarding at nearby homes. When she taught at the Bearshill Country School south of Wetaskiwin, she stayed across the road from the Rix farm. Harry's cousins invited Harry over for supper, and it all became history!

Esther and Harry married in August, 1954. The following years were full, with farming and raising five children; very connected in their church and extended families.

With children in school, Esther took the opportunity to join Lorraine Arnold, teaching adult upgrading classes in then, Hobbema, an experience she very much appreciated. With renewed interest in her career, she began taking courses at the U of A, this time, with an early childhood focus. Esther graduated with her B. Ed. in 1976, the same year that her daughters, from high school. Soon after, she launched the Clear Vista ECS program, and enjoyed teaching until her retirement.

Retirement for Esther meant more time for the many activities that she enjoyed, taking classes, volunteering in church and community, and travelling near and far.

More recently, with slowed mobility and failing memory, Esther often expressed appreciation for her family, her church and her home at Seasons. Even on her very last day, it seemed she enjoyed them all!

Esther is lovingly remembered by her children, Dean (Merlyn) Rix, Cheryl (Jonathon) Dyck, Cindy (Alan) MacLurg and Kathy (Stephen) Partington; fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. Esther was predeceased by her beloved husband, Harry; son, Lee; parents, Edith and Martin; siblings, Viola, Irene, Carl,  four infant siblings, and all of her in-laws.

We will celebrate Esther's life at 2:00 p.m. on January 2, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church (4910 Northmount Drive, Wetaskiwin). 
Recording of service: https://youtu.be/m5eQE5yG5LM

Video Tribute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr72tCMBNWk&list=RDrr72tCMBNWk&start_radio=1

Cremation has taken place, and a family interment will follow at a later date. 

Donations in memory of Esther are greatly appreciated to the charity of your choice. 

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