Essy Richter Sarver
Our beloved Essy Richter Sarver, of Carnation, was called home early in the morning on Wednesday, December 9, 2015. She was 94 years young.
Essy was born on August 10, 1921 on a small island called Ivo Skane in Sweden. While living a poor, but happy childhood, her father was encouraged to come to America by his brother who promised him a better life as a logger.
At seven years of age, Essy and her family made the two-week journey by ship to Ellis Island and then across the nation by train to Monroe, Washington. She left behind her loving extended family, never to see them again.
The family of six lived in a two-bedroom house her father built with no indoor plumbing until she was in high school.
She attended a one-room school house and learned English quickly, then teaching her parents and siblings. Essy played the guitar with her sister at local churches, singing and yodeling Swedish hymns and songs that her mother taught her.
She, her sisters and brother went to 10-cent movie shows once a week, put on plays, attended dances, basket socials at the community club and swam in the creek behind their house.
When they finally got a radio, Essy enjoyed listening to the programs like “Little Orphan Annie”. She helped her mother cook on the wood stove along with canning fruits and vegetables using an old copper boiler.
The biggest event of the year was the summer Swedish picnic at Lake Sammamish Vasa Park. At Christmas, their tree had real lighted candles like in the old country. They held hands and danced around it singing a Swedish song.
After graduating from high school, she worked as a nanny for a family on Alki Beach. Then marrying Irving Richter in 1945, she raised their four sons on one of the largest dairy farms in Snoqualmie Valley. Every one of their friends knew they were welcome and where the cookie jar was!
She was always known for her radiant smile, warm heart, hard-working hands and devotion to her family. She had the talent of making everyone who crossed her path feel they were special — even the repair men!
Essy took great pride in being one of the founding members of the Sno-Valley Senior center.
She was preceded in death by her former husbands Irving Richter and Estle Sarver.
She is survived by her four sons, Ron Richter of Cle Elum, WA; Jim Richter of Fall City, Wa (Peggy); Bob Richter of Carnation, WA (Carol); Dennis Richter of Preston, WA (Kate); 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Essy will forever be with us in our hearts.
A celebration of her life will be held 2 PM Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Snoqualmie United Methodist Church, 38701 SE River Street, Snoqualmie, WA.
The family suggests remembrances to the Sno-Valley Senior Center, at www.snovalleysenior.org
Friends are invited to share memories and sign the family’s on-line guest book at www.flintofts.com.
