Esther Simpson

Esther J. Simpson, age 83, of Strasburg, died peacefully Thursday, June 6, 2013 while in the care of Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia.

A daughter of the late Clarence and Carrie (Schwartz) Smith, Esther was born at Dover, Ohio on March 9, 1930.

She was a 1948 graduate of Dover High School and while attending an event at the former Studer’s Dance and Skate Hall, now known as Columbia Skateland, Esther met a young man named D. “Beany” Simpson. The couple married on August 28, 1949 and together reared two children.

Before beginning her family, however, Esther put her passion for journalism to good use as she worked for the Daily Reporter and the Inter-County Gazette. Years later, she returned to the field and served as an editor for the local newsletter, Rural Line.

Ever active within her church, Strasburg United Methodist, Esther enjoyed her involvement with the church newsletter, youth activities, the Alpha Sunday School Class and her card ministry. Additionally, Esther enjoyed being an active part of community and civic programs that included, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Mother’s Club, Eastern Star, Band Boosters, and volunteering weekly at a local nursing home with her close church friends.

Above all, Esther was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who will be missed for her cooking talents and supportive nature.

In addition to her husband, Esther is survived by a daughter, Chris (Ed) Haswell; two grandchildren, Dorrisa (Eric) Bitikofer all of Strasburg and Hunter Haswell of Pataskala; two great-granddaughters, Allie and Lillie Bitikofer and a brother, Glen (Donna) Smith of Dover.

In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her son, Scott Simpson and a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Helen Smith.

A memorial service celebrating Esther’s life will be led by Pastor Lynda Masters on Monday, June 10, 2013, at 6:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. The family will greet friends following Monday’s service during a light reception in the funeral center’s atrium from 7:00 – 8:00 PM.

The family requests memorial contributions in Esther’s name may be directed to the Sierra Leone Mission Trip Fund, c/o Strasburg United Methodist Church, 206 Second Street NW, Strasburg, Ohio 44680.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Esther by visiting the funeral home’s website at http://www.geibcares.com.