Esther Joan Howbert

Esther was born on March 12, 1933 to Woodrow and Elsie Mewhorter in Lima, OH. Both parents and her brother, Woodrow, predeceased her.

In 1949 she met the love of her life, Glenn Howbert, and they married on September 23, 1949. They were young and eager to build a life together and agreed that they wanted to raise a family. Esther decided to dedicate her life to being a committed homemaker, wife and mother.

They had four children Stephanie Ann (Robert Snyder), Susan Marie-Deceased (James Hebel), Sandra Kay (David Mason) and David (Rusty) Howbert. Additional survivors include 7 grandchildren, David Hebel (Melanie), Laura Brunner(Kevin), Christopher Mason(Summer), Nicholas Mason (Camila), Brittany Eaton (Joe), Michael Howbert, Joshua Howbert (Gaylon) and 14 great grandchildren as well as two sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She took joy in developing an untold number of friendships over the decades..

Esther learned quickly that family life included more than a tidy home and delicious food. As in any life there were challenges and she looked for ways to support her on her journey of building meaningful and balanced life. She found that answer in living a Godly life and she became a Christian. She was passionate about witnessing for Jesus her lord and savior and became very active in Sharon Park United Methodist Church activities and worked diligently to learn and share the word of God. As her confidence grew she became a traveling Lay speaker for the Northwestern Ohio District of United Methodist church. She was encouraged by the District office of the United Methodist Women to seek a leadership officer position. She was an active member of Sharon Park United Methodist Church in Lima for decades serving on the church board of directors and singing in the choir. She also was the director of Vacation Bible school and took an active role in Youth Fellowship.

She took pride and joy in nurturing her own children but had more love to give. In 1962 she and Glenn joined the Foster Child Services program of Allen County, Ohio. They fostered numerous infants over the years including special needs babies.

She and Glenn shared 62 years together. In 1989 they moved from Lima, OH to Citra, FL to fulfill their dream of building a log home. That was an overwhelming monumental endeavor but they still found time to continually serve their Lord.

They became aware that Hospice Care of Marion County, FL was in need of in home volunteers. They picked up the gauntlet and happily accepted the responsibility of visiting Hospice Care patients in their homes and to providing transportation to medical appointments until their own health precluded them from from continuing the service.

Glenn predeceased Esther in 2012. In 2014 Esther decided to sell the beloved log home and to move to Tallahassee in order to be nearer to family. She bought a small house and made it her own by filling it with furnishings and mementos from her life with Glenn. She immediately joined Covenant Presbyterian Church and continued to love and serve God by making communion bread, helping with Operation Christmas Child, assisting with preparing meals for Vacation Bible School.

Over the years she was afflicted with respiratory diseases. She managed her diminishing health with grace. She considered her life to be a gift and was grateful for all that God had provided to her.

A memorial service for Esther will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2221 Old Bainbridge Road, Tallahassee, Fl 32303. A catered reception following the service will occur Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Covenant Presbyterian Church Reception Hall. A burial will occur Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5050 SW 20th Street, Ocala, FL 34474.

The family requests contributions to BigbendHospice.com in lieu of flowers.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWood.com for the Howbert family.