Estora Ricks Moe

June 08, 2014 8:30 am

June 5, 2014

Estora Ricks Moe passed away Thursday morning in Corvallis at age 103.

She was born to Walter Thomas Ricks and Julia Walker Ricks in Pasco, Washington. Her father was superintendent of schools, and Estora attended first and second grade in Pasco.

In 1917 her family moved to Northeast Portland when her father became a manager of Ellison-White Lyceum and Chautauqua. She and her two sisters had opportunities to meet celebrities who toured with her father, including President Taft, and to attend many concerts, operas and dramas.

Estora attended RoseCityParkElementary School and GrantHigh School, graduating in 1928. She was secretary of her senior class and was involved in drama.

After high school she worked for a year at J.K. Gill bookstore to earn money for college. Then in 1929, she enrolled in OregonAgriculturalCollege (now OregonStateUniversity) where she pledged Pi Beta Phi. At OAC she was sophomore class president. She belonged to the National Collegiate Players and was involved in theater on campus. She was president of Mortar Board and her sorority.

At OAC, Estora met Hal Moe, who was on a football scholarship from Great Falls, Montana. As juniors and seniors, they both were “Who’s Who” in the 1933 and 1934 yearbooks. She was a member of the rally squad, probably so she could watch Hal play football from the sidelines.

After graduation in 1933, Estora taught home economics for two years at SilvertonHigh School, while Hal played professional football for the Chicago Cardinals. They were married Aug. 30, 1935, at Rose City Presbyterian Church and moved to Corvallis, where Hal was on the football coaching staff.

During World War II, the family moved with Hal’s U.S. Navy assignments, and they spent four years in Portland while Hal coached at University of Portland.

In 1949 they moved back to Corvallis. While raising her family, Estora taught home economics at Alsea, Jefferson and Philomath High School, and finished her career with 22 years at Corvallis High School. She retired in 1972.

She had been active in the Corvallis community since 1949. She volunteered in the Assistance League of Corvallis and OldMillSchool. She served on the Old Mill Board and the Mental Health Board.

She held several offices in the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club and was a member of PEO, ChapterAR, for 63 years. She belonged to the OSU Folk Club for more than 70 years and was attending the OSU Folk Club Book Club until recently.

Estora loved her family, friends, chocolate, dogs and walks on the beach. She appreciated good books and beautiful music. She was the ultimate conversationalist with people of all ages, and a role model to many.

Estora is survived by her son, Stephen Moe (Rebecca) of Salem; daughter, Carol Lesch (Jon) of Portland; and three nieces, Sue Moore (Brian) of Portola Valley, Lynda Decker (Roger) of Portland and Ann Colvin of San Francisco. Her grandchildren include Michele Forsyte (John), Kathy Fazio (Eric), Kendra Moe, Kelsey Moe, Ty Lesch and Jeremy Lesch (Mica); and seven great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Hal, passed away in 2001 after 66 years of marriage. Her oldest son, David, passed away in 2013. Her parents and two sisters, Francis Fletcher and McKay Meindl, also preceded Estora in death.

Donations in her honor can be made OldMillSchool for Children and Families or the First Presbyterian Church Choir in care of DeMoss-Durdan Funeral Home, 815 N.W. Buchanan Ave., Corvallis, OR97330.

Estora’s memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 19, at First Presbyterian Church, where she was a member for 65 years.