Esther (Thompson) Boughner

Cadillac - Esther Mae Boughner, 99 years young, passed away peacefully January 29, 2025 at Curry House Assisted Living, Cadillac MI with family by her side.

Esther was born to Leroy and Lucile (Darling) Thompson on August 10, 1925 in Grand Rapids, MI where she grew up with her sisters Jean and Mary. Esther was a graduate of Grand Rapids South High School, Grand Rapids Junior College and Michigan State College. She married Homer Boughner on July 19,1947, and she was his faithful, loving spouse for 67 years until his passing on December 6, 2014.  Esther was a homemaker and school and church volunteer when her children were young. Later, she enjoyed working as a library aide at the Cadillac-Wexford Public Library. 

She was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Cadillac where she was a choir member, church school teacher and Elder. In years past, Esther was active in the Philharmonic Club and the Cadillac Area Oratorio Society. She volunteered at Northwest Michigan Human Services, Red Cross Blood Bank, Shepherd’s Table, and The Salvation Army. 

Esther enjoyed singing, playing piano, and attending concerts and plays. She valued education and was a life-long learner. She was a voracious reader of books and newspapers, always keeping up on current events. Esther had an insatiable curiosity of peoples and places which led her to travel with Homer to Europe and around the U.S. including Alaska and Hawaii. She was an avid Michigan State and Detroit Tigers fan, no matter if they won or lost. 

Esther had unconditional love for her family; she was always interested in attending or hearing about their activities. She treasured the time she spent with her family: hosting them at her home, going on camping trips and celebrating holidays. She was a warm, caring, compassionate person who believed in equal rights and justice for all persons.  

Esther is survived by her children Thomas (Toni) Boughner of Cadillac MI, Steven Boughner of Salt Lake City UT, Joel (Cheryl) Boughner of Allen Park MI, and Jane (Mark) Wightman of Hancock MI, grandchildren Mark Boughner, Matthew Boughner, Bradley (Marcy) Boughner, Bethany (Ben) Dontje, Scott Boughner, Aaron Boughner, Sarah Wightman (Shelby Fowler), Paul (Cara) Wightman, great-grandchildren Ana and Diego Boughner, Eleanor, Genevieve, and Holland Dontje, Lucile Fowler, Adalyn and Ayla Wightman, as well as nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Homer and sisters Jean and Mary.

In lieu of flowers, Esther requested that memorial gifts be directed to Cadillac Area Habitat for Humanity - https://cadillacareahabitat.org/, Cadillac-Wexford Public Library, The Salvation Army or a charity of one’s choice. Esther’s family thanks the members of the First Presbyterian Church of Cadillac for their years of love and support of Esther. Also, they are grateful for the care of Curry House caregivers, Fill the Gap Personal Assistants and Hospice of Michigan staff.  

Per her wishes cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Cadillac, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Noon with visitation one hour prior. Officiating will be Rev. Michael Horlocker. Interment will take place at the Maple Hill Cemetery in the spring.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com  The family is being served by the Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.

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