Kern County Obituaries

Esther P. Silfies

Submitted by Billie Snyder 22 Jan 2008

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Bakersfield Californian; 12/24/2007

SILFIES, ESTHER  P. "RITA" 
Graveside services for Esther P. "Rita" Silfies, 81, will be held at 11:00 
a.m. on Friday, January 26th, 2007 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Glennville, 
California.  Ester Pauline Ortega was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico on 
July 27, 1925 and passed away in Bakersfield, California on January 18, 2007 
after a long illness.  Ester endured a difficult childhood in the company 
of her best friend and sister, Ruth LaVonne Crosby.  She married Harlin Franklin 
(aka Harlan Benjamin) Silfies in 1942.  They had their only child Harlene 
Ann in 1943.  Esther grew up and lived in Southern California until 1973 when 
she and Harlan retired and moved to Glennville to raise their grand-daughters 
Damara and Dorenda.  Esther lived a full and varied life.  She was full charge 
nanny at the age of 16, a talented seamstress who could make beautiful clothes 
from flour sacks and an immaculate homemaker.  Among her many accomplishments, 
she was a master cake decorator, pie maker, baker and cook.  She made the best 
pies and pie crust ever.  She was proud that at any potluck or branding, her pies 
and other dishes were always the first items to go.  She always joked that she 
couldn't attend a branding unless she brought a pie.  In her spare time she 
crocheted many afghan blankets.  One of her greatest passions was her love 
for bowling.  She belonged to many leagues and traveled extensively for tournaments.  
She also belonged to many ladies' organizations.  Esther will be long remembered for 
her fun loving nature as well as her sharp style and sharper tongue.  Nieces, 
nephews and others all loved Esther.  Aunt Rita, with her bright flashy clothes 
and boisterous style, was everyone's favorite.  If you were with Rita, you were 
where the fun was.  Before moving to Glennville, her backyard pool was always 
filled with family, friends and neighbors having a great time.  Being orphaned 
at a young age, Esther was a foster mother to newborn babies awaiting adoption.  
Throughout her life, she was like a mother to nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. 
Many childhoods were brighter because of Esther.  Esther's security in life came from 
Harlan.  His silent, quite nature is what she leaned on.  She loved to keep him 
guessing about what she might do next.  Despite her constant demonstrations of 
independence, she depended on Harlan in every way.  She lived a great life with 
Harlan and appreciated every minute with him.  Esther was preceded in death by her 
foster mother Mamie Owen, sister Ruth LaVonne Crosby and foster sister Naomi Shibley.  
She is survived by her husband, Harlan, daughters Harlene Evans, Damara Mullens and 
Dorenda Schiller, grandsons Devin Barnes and Darin Barnes; a special child in her life, 
Marika Chaba Underwood; six great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, 
numerous nieces, nephews and special people who will always love and remember her.  
Esther's family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to Dr. Thomas Wen 
and his staff.  During the entire length of her illness, they were dedicated and 
concerned, providing assistance and excellent care.  It was very much appreciated 
by Esther as well as her family.  If you plan to attend her graveside service, 
please dress as bright and festive as possible in her memory.