Esther Stratton

Esther Emily Milner Stratton was born on December 8, 1927, in Livingston, Montana. She lived during the great depression that taught her skills that affected her family's life.

During high school, her attraction to a very eligible and handsome man resulted in their marriage on October 11, 1947, later sealing that union in the Cardston Alberta Temple on February 28, 1953.

She worked as one of the first telephone operators until moving to Helena, Montana. Over the next 20 years nine children joined their family. Esther was known for her love of making candy. A full candy room marked the start of the celebration of Christmas. 

Her best friend taught her to make draperies which led to her owning a successful drapery business. When in Aba, Nigeria, Esther taught people to make draperies for their temple. She dedicated hours tailoring blankets, toys, and clothing for her children and grandchildren. She loved gardening but never successfully grew peas. We wonder why! When grandchildren visited, each child received $1 to buy sugar at the sale price; only one per household, and another $1 to buy a half gallon of ice cream to enjoy during their visit.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Esther loved working with the youth of the church and spent hours at summer girls' camp.

In the front room a community quilt was often present for friends to enjoy a quilting day. With her husband, they were honored to serve six missions including overseeing the building of the Kona Hawaii, Memphis Tennessee, and Aba Nigeria temples. Her dedication to the gospel of Jesus Christ affected her children through consistent family prayer, scripture study, and church attendance.

Esther M. Stratton passed away on November 14, 2025, in Helena, Montana. She joins her husband, Howard E. Stratton; son David E Stratton; parents Earl LeGrande Milner and Clista Jacobs Milner; her sisters Rosie, Betty, and Molly.

She is survived by her brother James Milner, of Port Orchard, Washington and her 8 children, Kathleen (Leon) Storms, of Nampa, Idaho, Terry (Linda) Stratton of, Missoula, Montana, Douglas (Colleen) Stratton, of Apache Junction, Arizona, Sherry (Curt) Booth, of Post Falls, Idaho, daughter-in-law Cheryl Stratton of West Jordan, Utah, Daniel (Amy) Stratton, of Queen Creek, Arizona, Pamela (Ed) Self of Bulverde, Texas, Tammie (Tom) Doyle of Helena, Montana, and Grant (Nikki) Stratton, of Queen Creek, Arizona. She has 51 grandchildren, 115 great grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 5, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Viewings will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6-8:00 p.m. and again Friday, December 5, 10-10:45 a.m. all at McDougal Funeral Home.

Join us virtually at: https://vimeo.com/event/5534540

Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.