Esther Muriel Browning

Esther Muriel Browning, 95, of Ft. Collins formerly of Greeley, passed away on Monday, September 10, 2012 with her daughter by her side. Esther was born on June 1, 1917, near Armel, Colorado to Ethel (Hettinger) and A. Wilson Hanna.

She was a very young lady when she first knew Harold Browning. They attended grade school and high school together, and were married on August 4, 1937, and then settled in Greeley where their son Gary and daughter Dalene were born.

Esther was a talented seamstress, homemaker and piano teacher for many years after which she attended CSC in Greeley and graduated with a BA degree in Education in 1962 at the age of 45. She taught in the Greeley Public School system until retirement. She was also a Mary Kay beauty consultant for over 30 years. Esther and Harold spent many years traveling the world in their color coordinated clothing. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1987 and after 53 years of marriage, Harold passed away.

Her granddaughter, Lori, would like to share the following about her grandmother. “I could swear her purse felt like it weighted over 200 lbs., and she always insisted upon carrying it when we went to the mall. I looked like a mugger trying to wrestle it away from her, but she was secretly relieved, I’d like to think, but perhaps her pride gnawed at her a bit. We use to have lunch at Mimi’s café, Perkins, the Cheesecake Factory, or at some diner, while nary a moment of silence passed between us. We discussed history, the latest book she was reading, parenting, religion, her latest exotic trips, movies, what my children were involved in, how the business was doing, and most interestingly, life and times of her youth. I remember her when she was still in her 80’s and she would come to visit. I would take her on our ritual trip to the mall. She walked so fast that she left me breathless. She used to travel the world with people 20 years younger than she, because those were the only ones who could keep up with her. She insisted upon walking, until a short time ago when only a broken pelvis could stop her. I knew that when she stopped walking, not long after, the time would come, and she would let go of this world and all its hindrances. And she did…I love you, Grandma.”

Esther is survived by her loving children: daughter Dalene Anderson of Ft. Collins, and her son Gary Browning (Maureen) of Mesa, AZ. She is also survived by her brother Rev. Earl K. Hanna (Rhonda) of Littleton; sister-in-law and childhood friend, Ruby Cody of Burlington, CO, and 5 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Esther was preceded in death by a brother Dale Hanna.

Graveside service 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to RNCR(Rehabilitation & Nursing Center of the Rockies) or Turnberry Place (A senior facility) in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634

Please sign online guestbook at www.stoddardsunset.com.