Obituary of Esther Zernia

Esther Mae (Freshour) Zernia, 81, of Three Oaks, Michigan passed away peacefully, at her home, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 27, 2013 with her family at her side. Esther was born on August 31, 1931 to Gall and Blanche (Auldridge) Freshour in Cedar, Kansas. Esther moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a young child. There she met the love of her life, Eugene F. Zernia, and the two were wed on November 26, 1949. Esther loved elephants and flowers, especially gardenias, which she received every year on her birthday. She was a faithful and involved member of the 1st Church of Christian Scientist, Benton Harbor, Michigan. She was also an active supporter of many local fraternal service organizations, including Freemasons and Shriners International. Esther is preceded in death by her parents, sister Lola DeVorse and son-in-law Don Staples. She is survived by her husband, Eugene, and her seven children, Karen Staples of Harbert, Michigan; Elaine (Ray) Monroe of Buchanan, Michigan; Jerry (Peggy) Zernia of Joliet, Illinois; Shari-Jean Kilheeney of Sawyer, Michigan; David (Maribeth) Zernia of Tinley Park, Illinois; Mark (Krista) Zernia of Plainfield, Illinois and Andrew (Christopher Scott) Zernia of Granger, Indiana; as well as 22 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and her lifelong friend and sister-in-law, Sharon (Dodo) Otto of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Esther will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan surrounded by her loving family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Esther's memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children located at 2900 Rocky Point Drive; Tampa, Florida 33607.