Esther E. Ankeny, 94, of Oak Harbor and a longtime former Clinton resident, died July 21, 2003, at Summer Hill Retirement and Assisted Living, Oak Harbor.

She was born Aug. 15, 1908, in Great Falls, Mont., to Lee Clark Edwards and Rosabell (Watson) Edwards. She was raised in Malta, Mont., and graduated from Malta High School in 1926 as valedictorian. She attended the University of Montana in Missoula, receiving a bachelor of arts degree in English. She taught English in Wibaux and Lewistown, Mont. During World War II she served in the Coast Guard for two years.

Following her service in the military, she attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where she received registered nurses training, graduating after three years. She then moved to Seattle, where she was employed at Virginia Mason Hospital.

She married Edward T. Ankeny on Jan. 6, 1950, in Seattle. They lived there until 1969, when they came to Whidbey Island and settled in Clinton. The couple moved to Summer Hill in January 2001.

She had been an active member of Langley United Methodist Church, where she was involved in the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Maxwelton Community Club. She enjoyed camping, traveling and backpacking with Ed.

She is survived by her husband, Ed, Oak Harbor; a son, Michael Ankeny, and wife Donna of Clinton; a sister, June Johnson, and husband Charles O. Johnson of Everett; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by four sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. July 26 at Summer Hill Retirement and Assisted Living, with the Rev. David Lura officiating. A second memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 1 at Langley United Methodist Church, with the Rev. David Vergin officiating. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Women.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.