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Esther Gaye Sliger Keifer, 78, of Sidney, left uncountable loved ones on Earth to rest eternally with the Lord in Heaven on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016. She passed peacefully during her final night of sleep in her bed at home.
Born July 6, 1938, in Whitehouse, Pa., to the late Joe and Evelyn Sliger, she would 20 years later marry Wesley P. Keifer on Feb. 3, 1958, a union that would last the remainder of her last 58 years. Wesley survives her and will carry on the memories of nearly six decades of marriage and will continue to enjoy the journeys of surviving daughter, Melanie (Rick) Walker, and grandson, Derrick Walker.
Also preceding her in death were a brother, Frank Sliger, and son, Marshall Richard Tate.
Also surviving are brother, Dick (Betty) Sliger; sister, Rose Goins; daughter, Melanie (Rick) Walker; nieces and nephews, Bruce (Michelle) Keifer, Lee Goins, Randy (Melissa) Keifer, Rick (Melissa) Sliger, Deb (Rick) Fultz, Craig (Cindy) Sliger, Yvonne (Keith) Garman, Brent (Helen) Goins, Bart Sliger and Keith (Deb) Goins; grandson, Derrick Walker; and many great- nieces and nephews, as well as many great-great- nieces and nephews.
Esther had an eclectic history of an accomplished work life. She was the owner and operator of Esther’s Wig Salon in Anna, owner of The Pines Restaurant in Quincy, worked for RP Foods and was a successful real estate with with multiple agencies, notably Century 21 Real Estate.
She had a true passion for volunteering and philanthropy. She was an active member of the Anna Ladies League, was a Girl Scouts leader, an EMT with Miami Township Rescue Squad and volunteered with the Shelby County Heart Association and church. Most recently, she founded the SKIP program at the Connection Point Church of God, a program of which she was incredibly proud.
Esther was never one to waste many minutes of the day, and when she wasn’t working or volunteering her time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, sewing, doing crafts and collecting antiques. One of her favorite things was preparing for and hosting her family’s Thanksgiving meal every year, which was always an excellent time for all that were involved and oftentimes included family as well as those that were not fortunate enough to spend Thanksgiving with their own families. She also enjoyed helping to shape the lives of multiple foster children that she and Wesley invited into their home. Most recently, she enjoyed nightly dinners with Wes, her sister Rose, and special friend and great-great-niece Amyla.
Even now, Esther continues her mission to positively shape the lives of young people. In lieu of flowers, Esther’s wish was that you take a child out for lunch. Enjoy the meal, have a conversation and remember that life is too short to skip dessert.
Esther made the decision to donate her body to the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. There will be a celebration of life at 11 a.m. Oct. 22 at her church located at 1510 Campbell Road in Sidney. All are welcome to attend.