18 Apr 1950 – 29 Jun 2024
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.
