Esther M. Heiligman, age 77, of Yancey, passed away Thursday, Dec. 27, 2013. Born in Dunsmuir, CA, Nov. 9, 1936, she was the daughter of George and Amelia (Fried) Wheeler, who preceded her in death. Loving and caring, Esther was a dedicated mother, sister and grandmother. She dedicated her life to teaching children, having taught in Hondo and in California, where she also directed a preschool for many years. Survivors include her husband, Jimmie Heiligman of Yancey; sons, Gerald Hopping and wife Sandy, Gary Hopping and wife Lisa and Greg Hopping and wife Karen, all of Rockland CA; nine grandchildren; sisters, Georgia Smedley and husband Larry of Florence OR and Ruth Shykowski and husband Freddie of Roseville CA. Visitation from 8:30 to 10 a.m. will be followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 30, at the Guinn-Horger Chapel, Hondo. Interment will be at Yancey Cemetery.