HERKIMER - Esther May (Avery) VanValkenburgh, 72, of Lansing Street, entered into eternal rest Monday afternoon, Sept. 1, 2003, in St. Luke's-Memorial Medical Center, New Hartford. She was born Nov. 12, 1928, at the family homestead in the town of Manheim, a daughter of the late Martha M. Patterson Avery. A lifelong area resident, she graduated from Little Falls High School. On Aug. 7, 1948, she married Robert Elias VanValkenburgh in Little Falls. On June 7, 1949, Esther and Bob's only child was born. She was a loving mother, who unselfishly cared for and nurtured her son, Larry Dean until his death on April 19, 1963, at the age of 13. In 1964, Esther went to work for Duofold as a knitter. She worked there until 1969. She then worked for Snyder's Bike Co. in Little Falls, retiring in 1976. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Herkimer/Little Falls and the Parkinson Support Group of Herkimer. She enjoyed shopping and traveling, especially to the annual VanValkenburgh family reunion. For many years she would knit beautiful afghan blankets for family members, church functions and her friends. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert; one brother, Leland Avery of Cazenovia; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her mother and son, Larry, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Everett Avery. Funeral service will be Friday at 11 a.m. in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court St., Herkimer. The Rev. Wrightson Tongue, pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Herkimer/Little Falls will officiate. She will be laid to rest with her son, Larry, in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, town of Little Falls. The family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends on Friday morning from 9-11. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Parkinson Support Group, Herkimer or Shriners Hospitals for Children. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.