Esther Rae Hafner, age 95, entered the gates of Heaven into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, April 24, 2023. She was at the home of her daughter, surrounded by loving family.
She was born on August 8, 1927 in Eunice, Louisiana to the late Arthur and Cora (King) Eccles. Esther was the baby of 10 children, her 9 siblings preceding her in death. Esther met her husband, Charles, while he was stationed in Louisiana in the Merchant Marines.
Esther had been a secretary until starting Willard Graphics Printing with Charles, which served the Willard Community for many years.
She was a longtime member of the Assembly of God Church. Esther was a devout, born again, Spirit Filled Christian, well known as a prayer warrior. She loved opening her home for Bible Studies, enjoyed playing old hymns on her guitar and listening to others play the piano.
Always the Hostess, Esther was thrilled when family and friends would gather in her home. Telling stories of growing up during the Great Depression in Louisiana was a favorite pastime.
In recent years, Esther spent time with the newest loves of her life, her great-grandchildren, reading them book after book and rocking them to sleep.
She is survived by daughter, Carol (John) Niedermeier, grandchildren, Heather (Joe) Heyman and Cody (Kyleigh) Niedermeier; great grandchildren, Connor and Koraline Niedermeier and Carolynn Rae and RJ Heyman; daughter-in-law Lana Susan Hafner, Lake Charles, LA; sister-in-law Nancy Yenni of Mansfield; "adopted" son Daniel (Mary) Shayesteh of Sidney, Australia and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Charles in 2019 and son, Michael in 2014.
Secor Funeral Home in Willard is in charge of arrangements. Calling hours will be Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with services at 12:00 PM and officiating by Doug Lillo. Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice in Sandusky, Ohio. Online condolences may be made to her family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
CINDY VAN WAGNER-ALT - May 16, 2023
CAROL AND FAMILY, SINCERE SYMPATHY TO YOUR FAMILY. YOUR MOM WAS A VERY SPECIAL LADY. SHE LOVED THE LORD AND HER FAMILY DEARLY. I CAN HEAR HER VOICE WITH HER LOUISANA ACCENT. MAY GOD WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND YOU IN THE DAYS AHEAD, AND GIVE YOU COMFORT. GOD BLESS, CINDY
Linda And Gayle Gahr - Apr 28, 2023
Carol and family, You are all in my heart. I know how Ester touched so many. I have many fond memories. Time shared with Ester was always like basking in the warm sun. She was gracious and caring. I know she will be greatly missed.
Phillip and Debra Mohr - Apr 28, 2023
Lord, at the moment nothing seems to be able to help the loss we feel. Our heart is broken and our spirit mourns. All we know is that your grace is sufficient. This day, this hour, moment by moment, we choose to lean on you. For when we are at our weakest Your strength is strongest. We pour out our grief to You and praise You that on one glorious day, When all suffering is extinguished and love has conquered, We shall walk together again!
Dorothy and Crystal Carpenter and Carl Metcalf - Apr 28, 2023
We met Mrs. Hafner as her newspaper carriers. She was a sweetheart of a lady and a favorite one of our customers. GOD really did gain an Angel . Love and hugs to her family,you are truly blessed.
Daniel and Mary Shayesteh - Apr 28, 2023
We are praying unceasingly for Carol and John and their whole family for losing dear Mother Esther, this amazingly Christ-loving woman of God. She accepted to be my adopted mother since 2008. Mary and I enjoyed to experience her motherly love and care for more than a decade. We miss you Mother Esther. We will be with you eternally and enjoy with you the glorious beauties of Christ together with all others for whose salvation you invested. We love you Carol and John and will be with you with the depth of our hearts and minds.
Sue Ditz - Apr 27, 2023
Carol, my condolences to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Sam & Pauline Patton Jr - Apr 27, 2023
Many prayers of sympathy for the Hafner Neidermeier family to lose such a precious soul rest in peace Ester
Deb & Jim White - Apr 27, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
kenneth risner - Apr 27, 2023
Although I didn't know this lady on a first name basis I would see her from time to time at the shop and around town. Just from the way she'd say hello I could tell she was, IS, a sweetheart of a lady. Once in a great while you meet a lady that reminds you of your own mother and this lady certainly fit the bill. I am sincerly sorry for the loss
Wendy Ayres Daniel - Apr 27, 2023
Carol - I'm so sorry to read of your loss. Your mom was such a gracious lady. Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Janet Hines - Apr 27, 2023
Carol and family. My sincerest sympathy for the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sherry and Dennis Johnston - Apr 26, 2023
You are in my prayers. May the Lord comfort you all. What a precious Sister in the Lord! She was definitely an Intercessor and a Prayer Warrior. We shall see her again, soon and very soon.
Jeff &Linda Adams - Apr 26, 2023
Loved Esther, loved going to her house and swimming in her pool, and she loved me, like a second mother, I'll see you again. Someday in heaven. Jeff.🙏
Curtis and Jenny Barnett - Apr 26, 2023
Our sincere condolences for family. Prayers for comfort and strength during this difficult time!!🙏❤️
Robert L Rees - Apr 26, 2023
Carol and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I cherished Esther and was blessed to know her. You all are in my prayers.
Pamela Carpenter Nelson - Apr 26, 2023
Sorry for your loss, prayers for you at this difficult time.
Diane (Snook) Swartzmiller - Apr 26, 2023
Esther worked for my grandfather Ray Snook at his insurance agency when I was young. She was always so kind and always made us kids feel special. Heaven gained a beautiful soul! I am so very sorry for your loss.
Kay Carr - Apr 26, 2023
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for the family
Susan Root Moore - Apr 26, 2023
Esther was simply a lovely, gracious lady- always willing to do whatever was necessary to accommodate a customer. I only knew her through the Willard Graphics business that she and Charles ran, but I always enjoyed conversing with her. My sincere sympathy to your family.
Cindy Phillips Lynch - Apr 26, 2023
I have fond memories of Mrs Hafner as a friend of Carol’s as a teen. Such a kind and inviting personality. I loved her accent especially when she spoke of growing up in Louisiana. Peace and prayers to Carol and family
