It is with great sadness the family of Esther Elaine Duckworth Sandberg announces her passing after a brief illness on July 16, 2018, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 80.

A native of North Platte, Esther graduated from North Platte High School in 1956.

She married Gary M. Sandberg in 1958. Esther and Gary have resided in the Seattle area since 1963.

In 1969, as Chief School Administrator, Esther was instrumental in the founding and operation of Ichthus Student Community, later named Hillside Student Community, in Bellevue, Washington. She retired in 2007, having served the students and parents of Hillside for 38 years.

Esther enjoyed genealogy, knitting and sewing and she and Gary traveled the U.S. and Europe.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Nile and Eula Duckworth.

Esther will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, Gary; her children, Vanya and Michael; brother, Dr. Richard (Sue) Duckworth of Enid, Oklahoma; sisters-in-laws, Barbara (Ted) Krzycki and Mary Sandberg Werner of Lincoln; forever remembered by nephews and nieces, David Duckworth, Steve Duckworth, Gary (Carol) Duckworth, Jim (Sandy) Pelton, Brenda (Andy) Ringgold, Carolyn Werner and Sara Werner. Her loving kindness will be missed by numerous cousins, extended family and dear friends.

Memorials are suggested to Hillside Student Community, 5027 159th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98006 (hillsideSC.org).

Services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, at Kirkland Congregational United Church of Christ, 106 Fifth Ave., Kirkland Washington.