Esther F. Diffenderfer

Esther F. Diffenderfer, 99, of Manheim, passed into the arms of the Lord on Friday, October 3, 2025, in Elizabethtown. Born in Rapho Twp., she was the daughter of the late Abram and Katie Flory Zellers. She was the loving wife of the late Donald W. Diffenderfer and they were married for 71 years.

Esther attended schools in the Manheim area and was a lifelong reader who wanted to learn from and enjoy books. Her other hobbies included word search puzzles and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Esther was a homemaker and secretary for Diffenderfer Disposal Service, the business Donald and she owned and operated for 30 years.

Esther was a member of East Fairview Church of the Brethren, where she served as a trustee and assisted in the nursery caring for young children during the worship hours.

Donald and Esther took pleasure in volunteering at Pleasant View Retirement Community, as they helped residents in wheelchairs to attend Sunday chapel services.

For many years, she and Donald lived in the country on several acres and had a menagerie including a horse, ponies, sheep, chickens, pygmy goats, chickens, peacocks, cats and numerous dogs. They were animal lovers all their lives.

Esther delighted in visits from her children and grandchildren, and many times they would arrive with treats that would brighten her day. Selections of cookies, Halloween pumpkins filled with candies, and Easter baskets overflowing with springtime goodies were received with a big smile. Family members would help her with groceries delivered to her kitchen, and inside and outside chores were completed at her home.

Esther’s quiet strength was apparent to her family in many ways. At 99 years of age, she still lived independently in her own home, preparing her favorite foods and decorating for the seasons. Her leadership and steady hand in the daily operations were important in the success of the family business. She faced physical adversaries always with grace and resilience.

The family pays loving tribute to a matriarch whose smiles and good cheer were a calming presence in our lives. We will always love and miss our Mom.

Esther is survived by four children, Mary Ann Johnstone, companion of Douglas Rossi, of Lancaster; Jay E., husband of Rebecca Howell Diffenderfer; Donna J., wife of Michael Dieter; and Barry L. Diffenderfer, all of Manheim. Five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren survive. She was the last of her immediate family. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, three brothers, one sister, and two sons-in-law.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim, on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 11:00am. There will be a viewing from 10:00am until the time of the service. Interment in Hernley Mennonite Cemetery, Rapho Township. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions in Esther’s memory to Manheim Central Food Pantry, 334 West Gramby St., Manheim, PA, 17545.