Esther Hall

Esther Deloris Hall of Billings, MT entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior on September 21st, 2023. Surrounded by her loved ones, family, and friends, she had just celebrated her 99th birthday.

Deloris was born on July 9, 1924, on a farm just outside of Bainville, Montana to Delia Karine (Grindland) and Hans M. Smestad.

Never one to be concerned with social constraints, she would often don her boots and ride off on her brother's Indian (motorcycle) just for the fun of it. This of course was during a time when women wore white gloves and high heels. But such was Deloris, a true force of nature.

In 1944, she married her childhood sweetheart, Kenneth Max Leland Hall. Upon completing a tour of duty in the Second World War, they made a home together in Bainville, MT where they raised three daughters: Marcia (Steve) Berg, Joan (Duane) Enger, and Darla (Tom) Sullins.

Endowed with leadership gifts and financial know-how, Deloris served as the Bainville Town Clerk for over 30 years. In addition, she and Kenny owned the Smestad Grocery Store in Bainville and later co-owned the Village Inn Pancake House in Helena, Montana (where I'm told they served the best pancakes in the world).

An outspoken person, nothing evoked more zeal than her passion for the Lord. Deloris made no qualms about sharing her faith with those she knew, and those she didn't.

In answering the call that Jesus had placed in their hearts, Kenny and Deloris opened their home to ministry. Passerbyes would often stop by to see why so many cars in such a small town were parked outside their home. This led to the founding of Bainville Faith Fellowship Church, where her spiritual legacy continues to this day.

Deloris was preceded in death by her husband in 2018 and outlived her six siblings: Harris (Beula) Smestad, Clarice (Norman) Wallin, Leonard (Alpha) Smestad, Robert (Margie) Smestad, Betty (Dale) Johnson, and Donald (Alise) Smestad.

She is survived by her three daughters, 8 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She lived a long and blessed life – she left an incredible heritage, both in natural and spiritual things.

A celebratory service for Deloris will be held at Bethany Church, 8885 Danford Ave., in Billings on Friday at 10:30 am, September 29th. Donations to Bethany Church can be made in lieu of flowers.