Catherine K. Esch

Catherine K. (Nafziger) Esch, 89, of 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, formerly of Ashlea Gardens, New Holland, died Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Landis Homes in Lititz, after a brief illness.

Born in Milbank, Ontario, Canada, Catherine was the daughter of the late Elia and Magdalena (Boshart) Nafziger. Her husband, Wilbur C. Esch, died in 2008.

Catherine worked part time as a waitress and most recently at Oregon Dairy in the restaurant.

She was a member of the Ridgeview Mennonite Church, the New Holland Senior Citizens, the Goldenaires Senior Citizens Chorus, the W.M.S.C. Sewing Circle at Ridgeview, the Youth for Christ Ladies Auxiliary, and the Country Gardeners Club of Blue Ball. She also volunteered with the Ladies Auxiliary at the Water Street Rescue Mission, and the Reuzit Shop.

Surviving are four sons, James W., married to Eunice (Lehman) Esch of Adamstown, Earl L., married to Etta (Stoltzfus) Esch of Leola, Arland E., married to Lori (Rabe) Rigdon Esch of Lebanon, OH, and W. Theodore, married to Lois H. (Musser) Esch of Denver; two daughters, W. Charlene, married to Dervin Hart of Manheim, and Christine E. Esch of Lancaster; 21 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; a brother, P. Melville Nafziger of Lititz, a sister, Adeline King of Lititz.

Preceding her in death is a son, Carl Jerome Esch; a daughter, Irene Marie Metzler; seven brothers, Samuel B., Ephraim, Ira, Andrew J., Ezra, Levi and Emanuel Nafziger; and a sister, Lovina Mast.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 29 at 11 am at Ridgeview Mennonite Church, 3723 Ridge Road, Gordonville, with the Reverend Nelson Yoder, the Reverend Melville Nafziger, and the Reverend Mick Sommers officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. Viewing will be held on Monday, May 28 at Landis Homes, West Bethany Chapel, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543 from 5:30 – 8 pm and on Tuesday at the Church from 10-11 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Landis Homes Sharing Fund, address above. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland.