Esther Marie (Trauter) Schellenberg

Esther Marie Schellenberg (nee Trauter),96, of Hinton AB (formerly Penticton BC), went home peacefully to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on July 26,2024, after living happily at Pinevalley Lodge for 13 years, in Hinton AB.

Esther was born in Yellowgrass,SK, to parents Rudolf & Bertha (Engel) Trauter. They lived on several farms in the Wilcox area, growing wheat. Esther moved to Vancouver area and was a telephone operator where she met and married Peter Schellenberg.

In 1970 they moved to Okanagan Falls BC. They transformed 5 acres of alfalfa fields into Golden Arrow Mobile Home Park. It was sold in 1999. Esther was devoted to volunteering in her local church. She was an active member of Penticton Bethel Pentecostal church as Sunday school superintendent and an active member in the choir. She loved helping in the kitchen at various church events and was primary cook at Okanagan Pentecostal summer camps for many years. 

Esther was a 30+ year stroke and 20+ year breast cancer survivor. Her positive attitude and outlook on life along with her commitment to serving her Lord Jesus Christ helped her get thru those tough times. Always giving advice and encouraging whoever came along her path. She was well known for the phrase "its strictly for the birds" when asked how she was. Esther loved playing bingo at the lodge and crib with family. Crepes were her favorite home cooked meal.

Esther is survived by her children, son Paul Schellenberg, Vancouver BC. and daughter Debra (Dwayne) Schapansky of Hinton AB. Known as G3 to her step grandchildren Trevor (Andrea) Schapansky, Brantley Schapansky, Kaytlyn (Ben) Penner, Felysia (Nathan) Green, 4 great grandchildren Owen, Kayanna, Jacob and Kaylee, along with many nieces and nephews. Predeceased are her parents and siblings Edmund, Fred, Viola, Verna and Robert Trauter.   

Special thanks to Pinevalley Lodge staff / Homecare & AHS DSL4 staff for the care that was provided to her over the last 13 years but especially in the last few years. Trina McDonald for the weekly foot massages that Esther loved.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Okanagan Gleaners or Prairie Gleaner Society.

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take."

 - Cardinal Meymillod

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