Esther H. Christy

Esther H. Christy, 94, of Elkhart, passed away late Wednesday, November 27, 2013, at the home of her daughter. She was born October 11, 1919 in New Paris to Ora and Georgia (Blanchard) Stiver. On May 18, 1941 she married Kenneth C. Rock in Mishawaka. He died March 19, 1966. On November 29, 1968, in Goshen, she married Lester Christy. He died October 8, 1995. She is survived by two daughters, Judith A. (Gary) Keaffaber of Elkhart and Jeri L. (John) Brewster of Mesa, Arizona; a step-daughter, Peggy L. (Don) Adams of Eugene, Oregon; a step-son, Randy (Sue) Christy of Clinton, Montana; 21 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jewel (Warren) Leback of Skillman, New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; two sisters, Carol Roth and Geraldine Bigler; and a brother, Stanley Stiver. A lifetime area resident, Mrs. Christy taught school in Goshen for a few years. During World War II she worked in the office at Penn Controls and later worked for her father at Stiver General Store in New Paris. She was a member of River Oaks Community Church, Goshen. Mrs. Christy wintered in Palm City, Fla., for many years. She belonged to several country clubs including, Bent Oak, Elcona and Evergreen Club, Stuart, Fla. She and Lester enjoyed traveling and playing golf. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed playing bridge. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2013 and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Conducting the service will be Pastor Scott Tilley from River Oaks Community Church. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ryan's Place, River Oaks Community Church or Center for Hospice Care.