The Van Wert County Courthouse

Friday, Mar. 29, 2024

Esther M. Ley

Esther M. Ley, 100, of Van Wert, went to be with her Lord at 8:11 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2019, in her home, surrounded by her family.

Esther M. Ley

She was born April 10, 1919, in Middle Point, the daughter of Clifford Wilson Summersett and Hazel Ruth (Pollock) Summersett, who both preceded her in death. On March 22, 1941, Ester married the love of her life, Watson N. Ley, who also preceded her in death in 2011.

Survivors include a son, Dr. John C. (Vicki) Ley of Tubac, Arizona; a daughter, Ruth Ann (Jack) Boley of Van Wert; four grandchildren, Dr. Brian C. Ley of Denver, Colorado, Michael (Naomi) Ley of Paris, France, Amy J. Boley of Lima, and Greg (Arleen) Boley of Fort Wayne, Indiana; eight great-grandchildren, Caden Ley, Jacqueline Ley, London Ley, Bode Ley, Elleanna Ley, Evelyn Ley, Courtney Boley, and Andrew Boley; and a great-great-granddaughter, Kali Boley Bender.  Also surviving is a sister, Leah Ries. 

She was also preceded in death by a brother, Warren Summersett.

Esther was previously a member of Middle Point Methodist Church, where she played the organ for many years, taught Sunday school classes, and was leader of the youth groups. She was a vital member in the Women’s Society of Christian Service, was president of the District Society, the Northwest Society and was given a lifetime membership for her service. She was currently a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, where she continued her dedication to God’s work in the Women’s Society and Mission Outreach in both local and international fields.

Other community areas she enjoyed working for were Church Women United; the YWCA, where she worked on a committee to help get the new county home built. Esther was an artist and was a longtime member of Wassenberg Art Center, where she served several terms as president of the Board.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 6, at First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, with the Rev. Chris Farmer officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery in rural Van Wert County.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, January 5, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, and an hour prior to services Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Esther’s memory may be sent to First United Methodist Church for missions or to a charity of the donor’s choice .

Condolences may be expressed at http://www.alspachgearhart.com.

POSTED: 01/02/20 at 4:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries