the Obituary of Ester Susan Conklin

Esther Susan Conklin (née Stone), affectionately known as Essie, passed away on June 29, 2024, in Yreka, California, at the age of 74, following her 19-year battle with Stage IV Breast Cancer. Born on April 18,1950, in Oakland, CA, she was a beloved wife and mother, and a dedicated teacher and volunteer in her community.

Essie grew up in San Leandro, CA and was quite involved in Campfire Girls, serving as a camp counselor and lake lifeguard in her youth. She embarked on her educational journey at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School and graduated in 1968 from Pacific High School in the top 10% of her class. She went on to earn a BA in Psychology from UC Davis in 1972, followed by a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Hayward. She began her career as a teacher at McKinley Elementary School in San Leandro in 1974. From 1976-1981, she taught grades K-2 at Klamath River Elementary School in Horse Creek, CA. After taking a break to focus on her family, she returned as a substitute teacher for grades K-4 across Siskiyou County from 1996 to 2005.

Essie met her husband, Cal, square dancing in 1979, a pastime they enjoyed doing together for over 20 years. They celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on June 28, 2024. Essie was deeply involved in community service, using her skills to sew newborns outfits, make hygiene bags for Siskiyou Domestic Violence & Crisis Center, bake cookies for nursing homes, and knit over 200 hats for the homeless (among many other projects). Her commitment to nurturing young minds was evident both in her career and her volunteer work. Serving as a 4-H leader for over 30 years, she taught skills courses in sewing, cooking, cake decorating, arts & crafts, and needlepoint. She also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Yreka Methodist Church. Essie enjoyed trips to discover family heritage in Ireland & Scotland, as well as visiting Victorian tea houses across the US, and hosting elaborate tea parties for friends. She also volunteered at the Siskiyou County Library and was an avid reader of everything from Dickens to Anne of Green Gables to fantasy novels.

Essie is survived by her loving husband, Calvin Conklin; daughter, Kaitlin Conklin; and sister, Penny Williamson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore F. Stone and Mary Jayne Stone, and her sister, Sonde Phillips.

A service to honor her life will be held at 10:30 AM on July 13, 2024, at Girdner Funeral Chapel, located at 202 S Oregon St, Yreka, CA 96097. Essie’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and service will be remembered by all who knew her.

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