Esther C. Moore

At 8:32 AM, Saturday, May 14, 2016, 3 days before her 91st birthday, Esther C. Moore went to sleep in death, waiting to join her husband in her paradise earth.

Born on Rives Junction on May 17, 1925, she was the daughter of Alvin and Anna (Glosch) Monroe.

Esther and her longtime husband, Walter E. Moore were the owners of the Busy Bee Market in Brighton from 1960-68, when they moved to Heart Lake near Waters to the home they had owned since 1958.  From 1970-79 they owned the Busy Bee Market in Johannesburg and from 1980-90 they owned Walt’s Butcher Shop in Gaylord.

A longtime business owner, community leader and volunteer, Esther was always on a mission.  Not one to waste time, and never idle, her list of community contributions was lengthy.  She was a longtime member and past president of the Gaylord Lioness Club and former Lioness of the Year.  She was also a past district vice president, president and district Lioness of the Year.  She was instrumental in starting the Lions and Lioness youth exchange program and the recycling program that eventually led to countywide recycling.  She will also be remembered for helping to start the chili cook-off at the Otsego County Fair.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Walt, in 1983 and by a daughter, Angela D. Moore in 2002.

Surviving are her children, Walter E. “Terry” (Kathy) Moore of Gaylord, Laurie M. Moore of Gaylord, Garry W. Moore of Breckenridge, CO, Howard A. Moore of Henderson, NV and Lisa A. (John) Taft of Longmont, CO; grandchildren, William, Kimberly, Sally and Ariana (Oliver Smith) Moore and Lillian, Jack, Emily and Camille Taft; great grandchildren, Kirsten Moore, Emma Thomas, Elle Moore and Skye Moore and great great grandchildren, Jesse, Kendyl and Kassidy Beal.  One of 12 children, Esther was preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters and is survived by sisters, Ruth Hatch of Seattle, WA, Evelyn Lo Curto of Canyon Country, CA and Alice (Norman) Reed of Marble Falls, TX; a brother, Ivan (Barb) Monroe of Jackson as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:00 AM.  Visitation will continue at the funeral home following the service.

A barbecue and celebration of Esther’s life will be held from 12:00-4:00 PM Sunday, June 5, 2016 at the Otsego Township Park in Waters.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Michigan or the charity of their choice.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com