Book of Memories for Esther M. Ayers

Condolence From Fred Gerlach

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 16:22:56 EDT

A year later, I still can't believe that Esther is no longer with us. She had creative ability that I could only dream of, but then, who else had a life story like hers? My wife and I moved to Tampa in 2017, and every time I hear the name New Port Richey I think of Esther and Jim.

Condolence From Peter Duncan

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 20:37:37 EDT

My Condolences and for Jim and the family

Memorial Candle lit by Joyce A. Walker

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 14:02:55 EDT

Joyce A. Walker

Story shared: Literary Collaboration

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 20:22:19 EDT

I recall having met Esther in 1997, somewhere in Indiana. Why there, I’m not sure. But our meeting was the start of a collaboration on what eventually became her novel, Flights of the Herons. She was absolutely the creator. My role was much more modest: I provided the genealogical inputs and a couple of chapters, focusing on our common ancestry. (As third cousins, we shared a great great grandfather, Johann Gotthard Reyher, who emigrated from Germany to the U.S. in 1819.)

The book didn’t make us a bundle or arouse any Hollywood interest (which was disappointing: we were convinced a film version would have been great). But we both enjoyed the collaborative experience and we became good friends. For a couple of Esther’s later books, she asked me to assist in the editing. I was happy to oblige, not only because she was my friend but because I really learned a lot in the process, notably about Old Order Mennonites. What a remarkable life Esther led!

My wife and I visited Esther and Jim in New Port Richey, a community north of Tampa, in 2001. We had planned to visit them again in Arizona but never made it. Too bad. Esther and I might have done some joint research into our Uncle George, who moved to Tucson when it was still a small town. (My sister later joined Esther in doing exactly that.) I often wonder how many more experiences might we have had together learning about our common ancestry.

Esther will be missed by all sorts of people. She was a fine and unique soul.

Condolence From R Bailey

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 14:26:27 EDT

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Esther Ayers for the loss of your dear loved one. The Bible calls death an enemy that God will soon bring to nothing, 1 Corinthians 15:26, therefore, fulfilling the promise at Revelation 21:4. Until then, hold onto your precious memories, lean on family and friends for comfort and God, for he gives us 'everlasting comfort and good hope' to cope in the days ahead, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17 and John 5:21.

Condolence From Pearlmarie Yount Goddard

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 19:03:38 EDT

Dear family, It was my pleasure to be an Akron North High School class member of Esther. Jim was also a friend. The world was made a better place with Esther here. She was always a true and loving person. She was kind enough to come to Akron and meet with us after her first book about her life was published. This was the first many of were made aware of her upbringing as a Mennonite. She has our deepest respect. May peace be with her family. She would like you to be at peace. Most sincerely, Pearlmarie

Photo shared: AyersEsther.jpg

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 12:56:27 EDT