Esther Stites

Esther Frances Stites went to be with Jesus on January 22, 2018, at the age of 85. She was born October 15, 1932, to Ray and Frances Keesler.

Esther was blessed to be married to her sweetheart William Ray Stites for 60 years. Together they had four children: Diana (Stites) Childers, Keith Stites, Bill Stites Jr., and Kathy (Stites) Hilgendorf.

Esther stood strong beside her husband as he pastored Fenmore Baptist Church in Elsie, MI for 26 years. She drove a school bus in Byron, MI for 10 years. She was known for her caring heart, and could be found many days at her desk writing letters of encouragement. She also never missed an opportunity to counsel someone through a phone call.

Esther was driven to lead people to the Lord. She would shed tears of joy giving the plan of salvation.  She lead her last person to the Lord at the Ovid Nursing Home. Esther gave without question and once removed her shoes for another person in need at church.

Esther left a great legacy through her four children, twelve grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren. Her favorite verse was I Peter 5:7, "and don't forget verse 8."

Funeral Services will be held at Memory Lane Memorial Park, 6305 West Lincoln Highway, Crown Point, Indiana, 46307 on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. Central Standard Time. Visitation will be held from 12:00 until the time of service.

Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.