Esther Hildegard Corneliusen

Esther Hildegard Corneliusen, 95, entered eternity with Jesus on December 10, 2025 at her St. Johns Liggett Cottage residence. Her ashes have been buried on a private Peace Hill in eastern Montana.

Esther was born on November 5, 1930 on her parent's farm in Otter Creek, North Dakota — the fifth of six children born to Edward & Christina (Hermaann) Gallwas. As a young child she helped on the family farm shocking grain, cooking, and carrying lunches and water to the field workers. Her family moved to Hazen, ND when she was 11. Esther was confirmed at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hazen in 1942.

While visiting in Glendive, MT, she met Leonard Corneliusen who was home from WWII. They married three months later on September 28, 1947. They were blessed with three sons — Allen, Vern, and Kelly — and one daughter, Sandra. A son, Gregory, died at birth. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1997 before his death in 1998.

They lived in Terry and operated Prairie Implement Co., where Esther assisted in sales and bookkeeping. Through the years in Terry she also worked as a nurse's aide in the Prairie County Hospital, was an Avon lady for several years, and worked as a school cook for 12 years where she was a friend to many school children. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as local President and Delegate/Legislative Chairman. In Terry she was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible School, was active in Ladies Aide, and shared her beautiful voice as a soloist at special occasions. She and Leonard enjoyed going to dances, enjoying big band and country music.

They moved to Billings in 1983 and together pioneered and operated Aqua Pure Water, a home water distilling business which grew into a commercial water distilling business receiving many achievement awards. She received her GED during that time. After retiring, she cared for others as a home health care provider for a professional nursing pool and as a volunteer in the Senior Center. She has been a member of Apostles Lutheran Church for over 40 years.

Esther started metal detecting in her early 60s, a hobby she enjoyed for over 25 years. She was featured in the Women's World magazine in 1999 for her successful metal detecting and her desire to help others find their lost jewelry. Esther and Leonard started the Terry Breakfast Group in Billings over 35 years ago, sharing breakfast once a month with people who have ties to Terry. This group is still strong and active today.

She enjoyed playing cards, doing word search, and reading mysteries, westerns, and daily devotionals until her eyesight hindered her reading in her last years. Esther was a hard worker with strong work ethics and a strong faith. She shared her gift of hospitality with many and loved her growing family of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

"Esther loved well, and was well-loved."