Esther B. Gingrich

Esther B. Gingrich, 88, formerly of Mount Joy and Manheim passed away on Monday, January 2, 2017 at the United Zion Retirement Community, Lititz. Born in Lancaster County, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Jennie Barnes Flory. She was the wife of the late William Henry Gingrich who died in 2004 and her first husband the late Harold O. Shearer who died in 1971. A homemaker, Esther also worked in her earlier years for Richard M. Heagy Meats, East Petersburg and she was a farmer’s wife. She was a member of Risser’s Mennonite Church, Elizabethtown where she was involved with the sewing circle. Esther also attended Chiques Church of the Brethren. She volunteered at the Mount Joy Gift & Thrift and she hosted fresh air children. Esther enjoyed hymn sings and listening to gospel music. Her passion in life was her family and helping others. She enjoyed planting and flower gardening, raising saffron and putting puzzles together.
Surviving are seven children, Marlin Eugene husband of Ruth Ann Shearer of Elizabethtown, Mary Ellen wife of Russell Adamire Jr. of Mifflintown, Esther Arleen wife of Anthony Haldeman of Manheim, Suzanne Louise wife of Gerald Wolfe of Lititz, Betty Jane Shearer companion of Nan Frankl of Reading, Sally Mae wife of Brian McCauley of Manheim and Glenn Harold Shearer of Mount Joy, twelve grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren, three step children, Anna Mary wife of Samuel L. Glick of Quarryville, Nancy Gingrich wife of Robert M. Shenk of Lancaster, Doris J. wife of Galen Hackman of Akron and numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, one brother, John H. Flory of Middletown and two sisters, E. Jane Smith of Mount Joy and Fannie Mummau of Virginia. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Matthew H. Haldeman, two sisters, Anna Mae Forwood, Ruth Myers and two brothers, Joseph C. and Benjamin Flory.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service at Rissers Mennonite Church, 8360 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11:00 AM. There will be a public viewing at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim on Friday evening from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM and again at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. Those desiring may send contributions in Esther’s memory to Rissers Mennonite Church, c/o: sewing circle, 8360 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.