Esther Myer, Great-Grandmother

Esther Myer died on January 4, 2015 after a relatively brief illness. Her life was one of kindness and concern and her greatest pride was her family. 

Esther was born in Ephrata in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania on December 3, 1921. She was the only child of Cora and Harry Nies and was raised during the depression in the conservative, plain society for which that area is known. 

The gathering forces of World War II dictated the direction of her early adult life when her high school sweetheart, Richard P. Myer was inducted into the Army. They married on January 24, 1943. Dick became a B-24 pilot. His career was interrupted when his plane was shot down over Austria in 1944. Esther vividly recalled the anxiety of not knowing his fate for the extended period that he was listed as ‘missing in action’ followed by the concerns of his repatriation after the war ended. 

They were reunited in 1945 and life happened. They moved to Philadelphia, Dick began Dental School and three daughters were born. By the early 1950’s, they moved to Port Allegany in northwestern Pennsylvania, started a dental practice and quickly became involved in the life of their family, church and community. 

Dick’s life was cut short in 1982 when he died from cancer. Esther continued to live independently in the mountains of Pennsylvania. She actively served her community as a member of the borough council and her church as an elder. She loved playing bridge and was an avid walker. 

In 2011, she moved to Oklahoma to be near to family. She lived in the Touchmark Retirement Center in Edmond where she enjoyed the many friends she made at the Center, especially those in her Bible study group, the support of the caring staff and the beautiful sunsets from her western facing apartment. 

She is survived by her children: Cheryl and Dr. Sterling Baker of Edmond; Drs. Denise and David Cameron of Milford, Connecticut; and Dr. Babette Myer of Lexington, Kentucky. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Drs. Leslie and Jay Walker and Dr. Seth and Christine Baker; and great grandchildren: Leah and Ike Walker, and Lucy and Theo Baker.

A celebration of Esther’s life will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church in Port Allegany at 2 p.m.