Esther Anna Thomas

Esther Anna (Yoder) Thomas, 90, of South Bend, Indiana, peacefully passed away at 5:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Wellbrooke of South Bend.

Born on June 18, 1935, in Plain City, Ohio, Esther was the beloved daughter of Andrew and Katie (Schrock) Yoder. She moved to northern Indiana in 1946 and made Elkhart County her lifelong home, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and simple joys.

On February 20, 1955, in Goshen, she married the love of her life, Aldine Leroy Thomas. Together they shared nearly 60 years of marriage before his passing on February 10, 2015. Their union was a testament to devotion, partnership, and enduring love.

Esther was a dedicated homemaker who created a warm and welcoming home for her family. She also spent time working at the Essenhaus Country Inn, where her kindness and strong work ethic were appreciated by all who knew her. A faithful member of Clinton Frame Mennonite Church, Esther was deeply involved in her church community, living out her faith through service, humility, and quiet strength.

She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—tending to her garden, preparing meals for those she loved, and, most of all, spending precious time with her family. Her gentle spirit, steady presence, and caring heart will be deeply missed.

Esther is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Richele (George) Hofsommer of Elkhart; her son, Michael (Laura) Thomas of Goshen; and her seven grandchildren: Austin (Jill) Hofsommer of Brownsburg, Brianne (Craig) Allen of Indianapolis, Luke (Allison) Hofsommer of Geneva, Illinois, Abigail (Eric) Mauser of Reno, Nevada , Jerica (Femi) Janzen of Indianapolis, as well as Ariel Thomas and Cole Thomas of Goshen, Indiana. She also leaves behind 10 cherished great-grandchildren.

She is further survived by her sisters, Vera M. Troyer of Goshen, Indiana, and Mary Picard of Millersburg, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Katie; her husband, Aldine; her son, Rick Thomas, sisters, Susie Keim, Clara Mae Yoder and an infant sister , and a brother, Clarence Yoder

Family and friends may gather to honor Esther’s life during visitation on Monday, May 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.

A graveside service will take place Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Miller 8 Square Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. at Clinton Frame Church, 63846 C.R. 35, Goshen where she faithfully worshiped for many years.

Esther’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Memorial gifts in honor of Esther can be made to Clinton Frame Church.