Esther M. Ayers

Esther M. Ayers

Esther M. Ayers, age 84, of Dover, died Wednesday, September 26, 2007, following a brief illness. Born, September 2, 1923 in Dover, she was a daughter of the late Thomas and Clementina Mungo Zofrea. She attended St. Joseph school, was a 1941 graduate of Dover High School, and went on to attend business school in Canton before working at the former Reeves Steel office in Dover.

She wed Thomas J. Ayers on September 28, 1946. The couple would have celebrated 61 years of marriage later this month. In addition to her husband, Tom, Esther is survived by one sister, Yolanda Jones of San Diego, California; three children Don (wife, Evie) Ayers of Syracuse, New York, Jane (husband, Dave) Gingrich of Dover, Thomas A. (wife, Christine)Ayers of Canton; six grandchildren, Amanda Ayers and Thomas J. Ayers, both of Columbus, Malissa Ayers of Canton, Benjamin Gingrich of Cleveland, Adam Gingrich and Joseph Gingrich, both of Dover; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Zofrea, of Whittier, California

Esther was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She delighted in taking on leadership in many of her children�(TM)s activities, including Boy Scouts, Dover Mother�(TM)s Club, PTA and Children�(TM)s Conservation League. She was a member of St. Joseph Church, Dover. She was also a longtime member of EOT Bridge Club and a couples card club. An excellent cook, Esther was best known for her pies and cheesecake. After raising her family, she worked for 22 years as an office manager for a local physicians�(TM) office.

Esther enjoyed traveling with her family. In younger days, the family spent many summers on fishing trips. She and Tom later enjoyed cruises and travels abroad.

Esther will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

A celebration of Esther�(TM)s life will be held Monday, October 1, at 10:30 a.m., in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, Dover. Fr. William L. Arnold will officiate. Interment will be at Dover Burial Park. A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center on the Boulevard in Dover. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday, September 30, 2 �" 4 p.m.

Those who cannot attend or who wish to express a fond memory of Esther may sign the on-line register book by visiting the obituaries link on the funeral home�(TM)s Web site.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave, Dover, OH 44622.