Esther Elizabeth Cummings, 93, of Wells, died from complications of congestive heart failure on Wednesday, March 4, 2010, surrounded by her family at her home in rural Wells. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wells. The Rev. Kathy Fullarton will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells.
Esther was born Sept. 5, 1916, at home in Clark Township, the daughter of John H. and Louise (Brummer) Niebuhr. She was confirmed April 17, 1930, and on April 18, 1942, she married Donald O. Cummings in Wells at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Esther farmed with her husband on the farmstead south of Wells until his death in 1963, after which she continued farming until her retirement. She enjoyed driving tractor, doing fieldwork, fishing trips, auctions, cooking, baking, embroidery, quilting, playing cards and bowling. She was an avid Twins fan. Esther was active with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She was active in the Hope Study Group, Crafty Quilters, the former Flying Needles Quilting Ladies and she enjoyed serving at funerals. She was member of the American Legion Auxilary for 37 years and a member of Birthday Club. She also prepared meals for the Bloodmobile. Esther had the gift of hospitality and mercy-you never left her home without being offered a cup of coffee and she was always there to lend a helping hand and to bless you. More recently, she found joy in Tuesday night supper at the American Legion, bird watching and TV game shows. She will always be remembered as an avid gardener of both flowers and vegetables and for her famous apple pies and glorified rice. What gave her the most joy was having her home filled with family and friends.
Esther is survived by a son, Donald Cummings, of Wells; a daughter, Donna (husband Dean) Sonnek of Albert Lea; eight grandchildren: Tracy (husband Scott) Andrews of Wells, Darren Sonnek of Albert Lea, Damon Sonnek of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Brett Cummings (friend Rose) of Red Wing, Dayna (husband Cameron) Schember of New Richland, Darcy (friend David) Sonnek of Blaine, Breauna (fiancé Chad) Cummings of Mankato, Brittany Cummings of Commerce, Mich.; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Louise Niebuhr; her husband, Donald; five brothers: Theodore, William, Henry, Alfred and Benhardt in infancy; six sisters: Louise, Minnie, Lilly, Tilly, Marie and Rose.
Esther was the last of her generation. She has now joined the rest of her siblings, family and friends in their heavenly home.