Esther Lounsbury was born in July of 1936 and died September 17, 2017, while residing at Stone Lodge in Shepherd, MI.  Her parents were Lester and Pearl Henry.  Her siblings were Ruth (Roger) Johnson, James (Loretta) Henry, Paul (Jerry) Henry, and David (Marlene) Henry

     She grew up in the Beecher District of Flint, MI, miraculously surviving the Tornado of 1953, and in 1957 married Jerald Lounsbury.  They moved to East Lansing where he was attending college.  In 1960, Esther gave birth to Dawn (George) Polanco, and in 1962 to Jeffrey (Patricia) Lounsbury.  Her grandchildren are Maris and Reed Polanco, and Freya, Bante, and Tibletz Lounsbury.

     After living in New York for four years, Esther and family moved to Mt. Pleasant, MI in 1968.  She continued her education, earning a BS, MS, and Specialist in School Psychology.  She worked for the school district for 22 years, sixteen as a school psychologist and six as an elementary counselor.

     Esther was very active in Immanuel Lutheran Church as a teacher, Stephens Ministry volunteer, and on staff as a youth minister.  She also was active in the Association for Interfaith Ministries, both as a teacher and staff person.  She was known as the "boot" lady in the Christmas Outreach program for many years.  As a master gardener, she loved her several flower gardens.  She also loved her two Siberian cats and was someone whom many people could turn to for friendship and help.  She and her husband celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary three days prior to her death.  Her work, volunteer work, and befriending of others is her legacy to this community and world.

     She has traveled to Europe, Israel, Greece, and New Zealand, and has sailed to Alaska and ridden the Rocky Mountaineer through the Canadian Rockies.

     The Ministers: Ron Vredeveld, with whom Esther worked for many years in the AIM program, both as a volunteer and on staff; Nancy Casey Fulton, with whom Esther worked for a brief period of time as a Hospice Chaplain helper, and who was a longtime friend and supporter; Margaret Vredeveld, whose time with Esther as a Stephens Minister inspired her to go to seminary; and Dana Hendershot, who is the current pastor at Immanuel and has graciously hosted and provided much physical support for this service.

     Memorial gifts may be made out to Stone Lodge Memory Care or Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Memorial envelopes are available at Immanual Lutheran Church or at Rowley Funeral Home.

      A service celebrating Esther's life will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 320 South Bradley Street in Mt. Pleasant.  Visitation at the church will be on Wednesday from 10 am until the time of the service.  Visitation at the Rowley Funeral Home will be held on Tuesday from 5 to 8 pm.