Birth date: Mar 31, 1935 Death date: Dec 22, 2021
After 86 years on this earth, Esther Alice Collard (nee Benton) passed away peacefully in her sleep at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids during the early morning hours of December 22, 2021. The previous day and evening, she was Read Obituary
Ester, Mr. McCarthy, Steve, Sue especially :) and Scott too hold forever heart warming memories for me. Between 1965 and 1970, I was at their home with Sue OFTEN! :) I hold dear a trip to Ester's parents home for a beautiful family dinner. We went "Over The River and Threw The Woods to Grandmothers House" ...FOR REAL!!! I felt as if I were in a "storybook family" on that visit. <3 Thank you Sue and Scott who smiled thoughtfully when he once teased, "You AGAIN?!!" HA! I was visiting a LOT those days! What a difference your family made in my life! Thank you for sharing!!! ..Your parents, your food (HA!) your home and yourselves! Going to Mass with you all made all the difference in my life too! May Our Lord bring deep comfort and great assurance to all of you and your families especially at this time. What a BEAUTIFUL SOUL FOR SURE!!!
Nicole, Our deepest condolences on the loss of your grandmother.
Sending your family all our love
Grandma Esther was a dear sweet soul who touched the lives of hundreds if not thousands of children during her service as a Foster Grandparent at Lakeview Elementary. One of the greatest honors of my career was knowing Esther through that program and having the opportunity to enjoy her smile, beautiful eyes, and her caring spirit for her community. Please know your family is in our entire program's thoughts and prayers as you navigate this loss. I've attached a beautiful picture of Esther that makes me smile and hopes it brings you a smile as well.
Thinking of you. Love, Gary and Cindi Papendick
My sincere condolences and prayers for the loss of such a special lady as Ester was. In this time of sadness may you find comfort in knowing your mother's love is never-ending; for even in her passing her love remains in the wonderful memories of her that continue to put a smile on the faces of all who were a part of her life. Take comfort in knowing that God remembers her too. John 5:28,29; Psalms 37:29
In loving memory of our dear sweet Aunt. With Love Tim & CIndy Benton
We are sad for your loss. We last saw Esther at Moms funeral service. (Lorraine Skutt) She was such a sweet lady and one of moms best friends. They are laughing together now up above. Diane (Skutt) McDaniel
