Obituaries

Esther Marie (Castle) Bigelow, age 93, of Naubinway, Michigan, died on April 10, 2024, in Petoskey, Michigan. She was born on January 16, 1931, in Pontiac, Michigan, to parents Earl and Hazel (LeVee) Castle.

Esther spent her youth in the small town of Beaverton, Michigan, where she attended the local high school. While working as a waitress for a local diner, she often served Clifford Bigelow. The two were smitten and before long, Clifford asked her out on a date. The couple married on April 19, 1949, and began their family. They moved all over the state of Michigan for Clifford’s work in road construction before moving to Rexton to raise their children. After Clifford and his father purchased a commercial fishing business nearby, Esther and her family settled for good in Epoufette. Esther owned and operated the Bay View Inn Restaurant, formally known as the Blue Haven, for several years, however, her pride and joy was being a mother and later, grandmother to her grandbabies.

Esther was a proud member of the Rexton Christan Fellowship Church.

Esther was devout in her faith and lived by the Lord’s teachings. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and cared for others deeply. She enjoyed cooking home-cooked meals and spending time with her family. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling to Florida and meeting with her sewing circle in Rexton, Michigan, to sew and crochet.

Esther is survived by her children, Betsy (Harold) Bigelow and Hugh (Darcy) Bigelow of Epoufette; son-in-law, Allan Spencer Sr.; grandchildren, Hugh II, Lacey, Lynzee, Tim, Bobby, Danny, Alan, Justin, Melissa, Tashina, Jake, Casey and Kyle; as well as many more beloved great-great-grandchildren and family members.

Esther is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Hazel; beloved husband, Clifford Sr.; children, Clifford Bigelow Jr., Laurie Spencer, Shelly Nowak, and Gertrude “Trudy” Croff, and her brothers.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the Rexton Christian Fellowship Church, N7970 Church St, Naubinway, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 10 AM followed by the Funeral Service at 11 AM with Pastor Tim Miller officiating.

A graveside service and burial will follow at Epoufette Cemetery with luncheon at the hall directly after.