Bower, Esther (née Dunshee) (Died)

Mrs. Esther Dunshee Bower, 83, a Wilmette resident for 74 years, died Saturday in Conway, Arkansas. A retired probate lawyer, Mrs. Bower lived in Wilmette from 1887 until last year, when she moved to Arkansas to live with her step-daughter, Mrs. Helen Groth. She was born in Charles City, Iowa. Mrs. Bower received a law degree from Lake Forest College and practiced for 25 years with the now defunct firm of Good, Childs, Bobb and Wescott. Upon retirement, she was married to Lorin Bower, who died in 1956. In 1935, Mrs, Bower became the second woman elected to the Wilmette Village Board. She served two terms. She was a past trustee of the First Congregational Church of Wilmette, which she joined in 1893, and also served as the church's Sunday school superintendent.

Mrs. Bower was a member of the American Bar Association and the Women's Overseas Service League and a past member of the New Trier Citizens league and the Wilmette School District Caucus. She was a long-time member of the League of Women Voters, serving on the national council, and was president of Ye Olde Towne Folkes form 1924 to 1925. In addition to Mrs. Groth, surviving are a brother, Robert of Oregon; a sister, Miss Marion Dunshee of Houston; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service was held Monday in the First Congregational Church, with Rev. Buckner Coe officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park, William H. Scott Funeral Home handled arrangements.