Esther Marie (Smith) Halker

Columbus Grove, Ohio

Esther Marie Halker, 92, died December 2, 2021, at home surrounded by her family.  She was born May 9, 1929, in Kalida, Ohio to Anthony T. and Magdalena M. (Schroeder) Smith. 

On September 11, 1948, she married Raymond L. Halker and he preceded her in death.

Esther is survived by her two sons, Bill (Carole) Halker and Sam (Anne) Halker; four daughters, Jean Halker, Cheryl (Dan) Risser, Sandy (Gerry) Knueven and Lisa (Andy) Stechschulte; 16 grandchildren, Christie (Dave) Tabler, Shannon (Travis) Horstman, Mike Powell, Nicole (Kevin) Rode, John (Angel) Powell, Ryan (Jamie) Halker, Todd (Nicole) Halker, Brandi (Phil) Trueblood, Matt (Morgan) Halker, Jeht Risser, Rayce Risser, Kristen Miller, Aubrie Knueven, Addison Knueven, Paige (Nick) Turkelson and Dane (Lauren) Stechschulte; 20 great grandchildren, Alex, Ryan, Cody Tabler; Will and Annabel Horstman; Aryel, Bailey and Gena Powell; Piper Powell; Tanner and Hunter Rode; Josh and Trevor Halker; Alexis Halker; Lawson, Olivia, Graham and Rose Trueblood; Evelyn Halker and Crew Stechschulte and two great-great-grandchildren, Iyla Powell and Ryker Zeigler.

Along with her parents and husband, Esther was preceded in death by a son, Pat Halker; daughter in-law, Lois Halker; grandson Brian Powell; great granddaughter, Myah Halker; and her siblings, Gilbert (Jean) Smith, Len (Angie) Smith, Cy (Dorothy) Smith, Ed (Mary Ann) Smith, Martha (Arnold) Fuerst, Florence (Tom) Freeman, Norma (Tom) Kerly, Mary (Urban) Brown, Tom (Dorothy) Smith and Bob (Susie) Smith.

Esther retired from Kohls Market, Ottawa, after working as the office clerk for 30+ years.  She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, and a lifetime member of the Columbus Grove VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Post 516.

She enjoyed relaxing at the lake with family and friends, playing cards and dominos, along with passing the time coloring and praying the Rosary for those in need.

Services will begin at 9:30 am, Monday December 6, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Columbus Grove.  Father David Ritchie will officiate with burial to follow in the Church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00pm, Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, with the Rosary recited at the close of visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Homecare and Hospice or St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Please take a moment and remember Esther, go online to hartmansonsfuneralhome.com, share a memory and/or your condolences.

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