Esther M. Koontz's Obituary
Esther M. Koontz (nee Carlson), age 82 and a long-time resident of Lorain, passed away on October 16, 2015 after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Esther was born on March 5, 1933 in Alverta, PA to Axel and Margaret (nee Satmary) Carlson. She was a loyal and active parishioner at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Lorain, where she also worked as the church secretary for over 20 years.
Esther was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, always making family her first priority. She had a heart for animals and cared for many throughout her life. Esther especially enjoyed Tuesday night St. Anthony devotional services followed by dinner with friends. She and her husband Ralph enjoyed traveling, recreational gambling, and spending time with friends and family. Her vivacious laugh, welcoming spirit, and caring heart will be greatly missed.
Esther is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ralph; daughters, Christine (Russell) Landsberger, Denise Cogar, and Kathleen (Jerry) Shields; grandchildren, Stacie, Joseph, Jennifer, Zachery, Amy, Justin, Thomas (T.J.), Kyle, David, and Taylor; 19 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Carlson; and sister, Greta Snyder.
She was preceded in death by her son, Ralph Koontz Jr., in 2011; parents, Axel and Margaret Carlson; and stepmother, Linnea Carlson Snyder.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1305 E. Erie Avenue, Lorain. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon.
Online condolences may be left for the Koontz family at www.dovinreberjones.com
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