Esther J. Bontrager

Esther J. Bontrager, 82, of Goshen, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023, surrounded by family in Legacy Lane at Waterford Crossing.

She was born April 11, 1941 in Yoder, Kansas, to Daniel “Danny” and Elizabeth “Lizbet” (Yoder) Yoder.

On June 25, 1961 she married Devon “Slugger” J. Bontrager in Goshen.

He survives along with two children, Debra (Doug) Bobeck of Millersburg and Donald (Cindy) Bontrager of Goshen; six grandchildren, Ashley (Evan) Wible, Camden (Bailey Showalter) Bontrager, Jade (Mitchell) Mattson, Morgan (Dustin) Stutzman, Shelby Bontrager and MacKenzie (Connor) Bontrager; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Nadine Brewster of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and two brothers, Andrew Yoder of Mission, Texas and Merle (Mary) Yoder of Millersburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Freda Martin and a brother, Omer Yoder.

Mrs. Bontrager worked as a bookkeeper in the Fairfield Community Schools for 40 years. She was a member of First Church of God in Goshen, where she participated in various activities.

She was a wonderfully loving grandmother; some say the best grandma. A former Cub Scout Leader, she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, baking, walking Siesta Key beach and shelling with her children and grandchildren, who still enjoy it to this day.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Friday, one hour prior to the 11:30 a.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Craig Garber will officiate.

Burial will follow in Miller 8 Square Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to the Scholarship Fund at Fairfield Community Schools.