E. Northrup, Esther

Esther E. Northrup of 53 Hector St., Trumansburg, passed away unexpectedly at the Cayuga Medical Center, on Monday, June 26, 2006 at the age of 94.

Born on May 2, 1912 in Ovid, New York, Esther was the daughter of Archie and Plaza Westervelt. Following graduation from the Ovid High School, she pursued various careers over the years and sometimes held up to three jobs at one time following her husband's untimely death in 1960. Esther never complained as she amply provided for her family, in fact she opened her arms and home to area children who were in a difficult situation at their own homes or perhaps found themselves without a place to call home. Her family's home was also a safe haven for boys and girls who served as missionaries with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Esther was employed at the Ithaca DMV for many years as well as area grocery stores. She also worked in the Trumansburg school's cafeteria and provided daycare for many area children, in her home, for years.

Esther's unwavering determination to better the lives of those around her did not go unnoticed as she was duly presented with the "Outstanding Citizen Award" from the Trumansburg Rotary Club in 1988, received the "Community Service Award" from the Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce in 1992 and was given a "Plaque of Recognition" from Heartmates for fulfilling that organization's presidential position for eighteen years. Esther was also well-respected as an integral member of the Trumansburg United Methodist Church throughout her life; most notably for continuing the "New Years Day Dinner" and for guiding the United Methodist Women's group with an uplifting and matronly hand. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge and currently served as Historian for the Town of Ulysses. In her limited free time, she loved to garden, bake and play cards. Fond memories of Esther will resound in the community of Trumansburg for many years to come.

In addition to her husband, Harsey, who died in 1960, Esther was preceded in death by her grandson-in-law, Rich; her great-grandson, Brandon and four brothers, Earl, Paul, Howard and Floyd. She is survived by two sons, Keith (Carol) and Clifford (Margaret), all of Trumansburg; two daughters, Jane (Gene) Ward of Trumansburg and Joyce (Rick) Updike of Hyde Park; seven granddaughters, Cathy, Rebecca, Margaret Ann, Brenda, Susan, Cindy and Jennifer; three grandsons, Daniel, Gene and Eric; 11 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Reagan, Olivia, Kelsey, Spencer, Madison, Thomas, Kaleigh, Amber and McKenna; one sister, Martha Troutman of Ovid and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be held at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, corner of South St. and Main St. in Trumansburg, on Thursday, June 29, 2006 at 1:00pm with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Losey and the Rev. Pete Hood officiating. Prayers of Committal will follow at the Grove Cemetery, Trumansburg.

The family will be present to receive friends at the American Legion Post #770, Seneca Rd., Trumansburg, immediately following the prayers of committal. (Everyone is invited to the reception at the American Legion, including friends who are not able to attend the church service.)

Those who wish to make a contribution in Esther's memory are kindly asked to consider the Trumansburg Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director