Funeral Services for Esther Wood, 91, of Sigourney formerly of Jefferson will be 2:00 pm Monday, April 27, 2009 at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson.  Interment will be in the Jefferson Cemetery.  Visitation will begin after 12:00 noon on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson with the family present to greet friends from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Esther Minnie Johnson Wood, daughter of Walter L. Johnson and Minnie E. (Schaffer) Johnson was born March 6, 1918 on the family farm in Farnhamville, Iowa. Esther attended her early years of school in Farnhamville later attended Elm Grove Country School in Lake City, Iowa through the 8th grade. She graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1937.

On July 3, 1937, Esther was married to Harley V. Wood in Rockwell City, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Sherry and Carroll. In 1938, they started farming in the Lanesboro, Iowa area. They continued to farm in the Lanesboro, Glidden, Lake City and Jefferson area for 30 years. In 1968, they moved to Jefferson, Iowa and Esther was employed by the State of Iowa for 13 years. Esther retired in 1981.

Esther enjoyed many hobbies such as reading, sewing, plants and decorating. She also enjoyed many hours of fishing and camping.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Minnie, her sister Dorothy, her grandson Clark and her husband Harley in 2003.

She is survived by her daughter Sherry Bodden of Des Moines, Iowa; her son Carroll Wood of Sigourney, IA; her brother Melvin Johnson of Sioux Rapids, IA; 3 grandchildren Kimberly (Mike) Jacobs of Des Moines, IA, Braedi Schaefer of Des Moines, IA and David Wood of Longview, Texas; 5 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.