Esther Goodman RuskGrand Junction, COEsther Goodman Rusk, 70, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2017, at HopeWest Hospice after a brief but courageous struggle with cancer. Esther was born on October 28, 1946, to Ernest and Mary Ruth Goodman and grew up in Knoxville with her brother David. Known for her unwavering client service skills and witty sense of humor even with strangers, some may be surprised to learn that Esther was a quiet and private person and was happiest at home with her husband and their sweet little Dachshunds, Mitzy and Mindy, and the many others she lovingly raised. After graduating business school in Knoxville and working as a paralegal, Esther met her true love, Joseph Rusk. They were married on March 28,1986, and soon after headed west to begin their new life. Married for 31 years, the couple were partners in both love and work. Together they built a successful court reporting firm as well as strong friendships throughout the Western Slope of Colorado and beyond. With a love of the outdoors, Esther would join Joe on their tandem for rides through the desert and walk hand-in-hand on the coast of Oregon. Esther is survived by her husband, Joseph Rusk of Grand Junction, CO; brother, David Goodman (Carol) of Holmen, WI; sons, Joppa Smith of Grand Junction, CO and Seth Smith (Kim) of Denver, CO; stepchildren, Jeff Rusk (Kelly) of Knoxville, TN and Pamela Block (Ric) of St. Petersburg, FL; daughter-in-law, Brenda Rusk of Berthoud, CO; and grandchildren, Eric, Chris, Jaqui, Madison, Anna and Lily; and great-grandson, Aiden. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Loranz Goodman and Mary Ruth (Bounds) Goodman; and her stepson, James Rusk. The family will be holding a private service. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice of the Grand Valley in Grand Junction.