Esther Graber Shafer

Esther Graber Shafer, 83, of Creston, died Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Akron General Medical Center following a period of declining health.

Esther was born Jan. 1, 1933 on the family farm south of Creston to the late Harvey and Sylvia (Krabill) Graber and was a 1950 graduate of Creston High School. On June 25, 1959 she married Howard D. Shafer and he preceded her in death on July 18, 2011. She retired with over 50 years of service at the Stebbins National Bank and later with Wayne Savings Community Bank in Creston. Esther loved her job and the people that she served who many were her lifelong friends. She was a member of the Oak Grove Mennonite Church and was an avid bowler having be a member of various bowling teams and leagues over the years. Her nieces and nephews were the joys of her life and she will be truly missed.

Surviving are her sister and brother-in-law, Lavina and Glenn Showalter of Dalton whom she had resided with for the past 2 1/2 years; brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Kathleen Graber of Wooster; brother, Harvey Graber of Creston; sister-in-law, Trudy Shafer of Creston and nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister and brother-in-law, Ilene and Robert Richard and a sister Wilma Graber.

Graveside services will be Tuesday at 12:00 noon at Oak Grove Mennonite Church Cemetery with a gather following at the church. Per Esther’s wishes, there will be no calling hours and tributes may be shared at www.Murray-Funeral-Home.com Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.