Esther H. Stoltzfus

Esther Eckman Hess Stoltzfus, 88, of Garden Spot Village, formerly of Morgantown, PA, died on Monday, Oct.14, 2013. She was the wife of the late Marvin B. Stoltzfus, with whom she worked on their dairy farm.

She was born October 29, 1924, daughter of the late Milton M. and Esther Eckman Hess. She was a member of the Conestoga Church of the Brethren where she taught Sunday School classes and was a lifetime deacon. She was an avid reader, went back to school and obtained her GED at the age of 61, was a volunteer at Twin Valley Elementary Center, Reading Rehab and the ReUzit Shop, Morgantown.

She enjoyed walking, poetry, games, time with her grandchildren and spending time at the cabin.

Surviving are five children, M. Eugene, married to Bettyjane (Cheesman) Stoltzfus, Mohnton, Gary, married to Sharon (Mast) Stoltzfus, Elverson, Joyce Stoltzfus, married to Ralph Detrick, Elizabethtown, Betty Smucker, married to Eli, Narvon, and Kay Stoltzfus, Lancaster; 10 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren & 2 step great grandchildren. Esther is also survived by a sister, Helen Diffenderfer, Lancaster, and a brother Milton E. Hess, Elizabethtown.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson Seth Austin Hall, brother Paul Hess and eight sisters Ruth Snader, Grace Landis, Minerva Koser, Pearl Hess, Caroline Patches, Belle Gainer, Betty Kime and Rosemarie Fink.

Funeral service will be held at the Conestoga Church of the Brethren, 141 E. Main St, Leola, on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Jere Cassel officiating. Interment will be in the Eby Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, and on Saturday from 9 – 10 am. at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made to On Earth Peace, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland. Condolences may be submitted to our website www.groffeckenroth.com