HALIFAX, PA-
Esther Shirley Barnhill, age 84, of Wolfe Hole Road, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, at her favorite time of the year,
December 21, 2021, at her residence with her loving family, fur babies, and one of her best friends surrounding her. She fought a courageous battle against Parkinson’s disease for many years and was diagnosed with kidney cancer 42 days ago.
Born on March 29, 1937 in Williamstown, PA., Esther was one of 15 children, the daughter of [the late] Albert N and Rebecca (Crabb) Neiswender.
Esther was the widow of Samuel Grosser, Gordon Custer and John Barnhill.
She was a Momma with a coat of many colors…She drove dump trucks up and down the Coal Mountains, tended bar at the VFW, and was a seamstress making slips, slippers, and children clothing. She was a caterer and also a cook/chef at the Millersburg legion, Puliti’s Roma restaurant at Millersburg golf course, Beil’s Auction House, made specialty and wedding cakes. She was the office manager for Gordie Custer’s Masonry Construction, and after she lost her home in a tornado, she was “Ralph the Builder” to build a new home for her family.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, her fur babies, Rosie and Bella, and friends. She absolutely loved to cook for everyone and always visited bearing food and gifts. The greatest gift she always gave to us was her presence! She loved sewing and crocheting. She made her children clothing as they were growing up, wedding dresses, doilies, and dishcloths for fundraising and so much more. Even in her last few days she was still licking her thumb to thread her needle, stirring her pan and sampling her cooking, of course while she was dreaming. It was just so precious to watch her hands at work one last time. She enjoyed swimming and the water battles at her pool, camping, and playing cards with her family and friends. She always liked helping out at the food bank and calling bingo at the senior center. She attended Faith EC church, and was a Moose and American Legion member in Millersburg. She helped organize and served as the first president of the Ladies Lions Club, Halifax. She was a member of the Halifax Historic Society and a previous member of Eastern Star.
She is survived by her Children; Shirley (Christopher) Wynn, Halifax, Peggy (Michael) Leete, Etters and Rose (Thomas “T”) Brown, Harrisburg; Daughter-in-Law, Shelly (Henry "Harry" Bittle Jr.) Grosser-Bittle, Duncannon;
Step-Children; William Grosser, Millersburg, John (Sherri) Barnhill, NC and Mike (Kim) Barnhill, NC.; Sister; Joyce (Bill) Grosser, Lykens;
Grandchildren; Jared Sweigard, Travis (Marlo) Sweigard, Ty Grosser (Susan),
Step-Grandchildren; Matthew (Edrea) Funes-Lick, Tammy (David Sr.) Schnable, William Grosser Jr., John (Theresa) Grosser Jr., Jason Grosser, Jeremiah (Victoria)Grosser, Sheila Gelencser, Michelle Gelencser, Rodd (Amanda) Wynn, Krysta (Tyler) Schell, Morgan (Eric) Rothermel, Jordan (Kat) Leete, Wade (Diane) Perry,
Great Grandchildren; Hunter Sweigard, Harmony Sweigard, Jackson Sweigard,
Step-Great Grandchildren; Rebecca (Ryan) Kozoski, David Schnable Jr., Daniel Schnable, Matthew Schnable, Joshus Schnable, Gabe Rothermel, Ayden Rothermel, Sophia Leete, Alexander Leete, Charlotte Leete,
Great Great Grandchild; Benjamin, and coming from a family of 15 +++ she had many many wonderful nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a Son, Carl (PC) Grosser; Step-Children; Debbie Custer-Lick, John Grosser, Marylou Gelencser-Shomper, Barb Perry.
Brothers; James Neiswender, Lloyd Neiswender,
Sisters; Rachael McCready, Leona Zimmerman, Betty Miller, Alberta Ramer,
Step Brothers; Raymond Fredrick, Samuel Fredrick,
Step Sisters; Helen Pinkerton.
In lieu of flowers Esther wanted to help with her family's nonprofit “A Bounce Forward” to help make a positive difference in her community especially for Seniors and Veterans. Memorial contributions may be made to: “A Bounce Forward”, 5600 Plainview Road, Harrisburg, PA. 17111 in memorial for Esther's Foundation ~ www.ABounceForward.org You can make a positive difference by donating today to "A Bounce Forward". Graveside memorial service will be held on January 8, 2022 at 1:04 p.m. at Straws Church Cemetery, Halifax, PA.
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