Esther Canfield passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 15, 2024. She was the oldest child of Alphonse and Catherine Bieker. She was born on April 16, 1932, on a small farm outside of Chehalis, followed by her sister JoAnn two years later. After the passing of their mother, and their father's remarriage, seven siblings followed. She grew up during the depression and had a tough upbringing on the farm. At the age of 15, she moved into Chehalis to work and graduated from W.F. West High School, where she met her first husband, Charles Meyn, and after graduation moved to San Diego during his Navy enlistment. Afterward, they moved back to Chehalis and settled down to raise a family, the first being Steve, followed by Randy, Patsy and Eric. Esther devoted her life to caring for kids in need by way of foster care. After marrying Mel Canfield, they devoted their life to the church and continued with adult foster care of the severely handicapped. She enjoyed canning, cooking and being a housewife and grandmother. She was an extremely strong woman who guided her family with love, strength, determination and hard work. She was the rock that we could all rely on and go to for love, advice and guidance. She is survived by her husband, Mel Canfield, and three remaining children, Randy Meyn and wife, Alison; Patsy Moody and husband, Mike; Eric Meyn and wife; Teresa; as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with siblings JoAnn Bergseth, Kathy Case, Bill Bieker, Mike Bieker, Alene Tauscher, Janette Bale, Pat Wilson and Marilyn Brown. She was a lifelong parishioner at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, where Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday and a viewing will happen on Friday at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m.
