ARLINGTON, Wash. – Esther F. Heikell was born to the late Ernest and Josephine Hill on June 22, 1937, in Biddeford. She departed this earthly life on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Arlington, Wash.

She attended primary school at Cousins Memorial School and graduated from secondary school Thornton Academy in 1955. She attended New England School of Theology from 1955 to 1957. Esther later earned her associate’s degree in Biblical Studies from Christian International College in 1990. Most recently she took college courses from Divinity International earning a second associate’s degree in Theology at the age of 81.

She felt the presence of the Lord at an early age and was baptized at Ossipee Lake at the age of nine by Pastor MacNeill. From that point on, Esther lived her life for the Lord. She stepped forward to participate as the church pianist at the age of 13, she attended church and bible school regularly in childhood, she yearned to become a pastor’s wife one day and to spend her years teaching the Lord’s word to her community.

She married the late Onnie Erickson in 1957 and fulfilled her childhood dream to be a pastor’s wife until the family moved to the west coast in the ’70s. When her husband retired from ministry work, Esther continued to use the gifts God gave her to connect with those around her. She shared her passion of music by teaching piano lessons for 30 years. She spent years teaching first grade and once all her children had grown she devoted her time to caring for the elderly.

Esther married Mark Heikell in 1993 and the two shared a loving marriage for 23 years. They were active members of Jakes House Church. Esther enjoyed being involved in the music program and bible studies, until her health prevented her from participating.

She is survived by seven sons, Skye Hill, Paul Erickson, Dan Erickson, Peter Erickson, Mark Heikell Jr., Chris Heikell and Paul Heikell, a daughter, Pamela Beaton; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her loving husband in 2017.

A celebration of life ceremony is to be held Jan. 29, 2 p.m. at Jakes House Church in Arlington, Wash. The family plans to travel to Maine in June to hold a ceremony and burial at Kimball Cemetery in Alfred.

Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home are entrusted with her services.

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