Esther Elizabeth Martin Lausch Crouse, 90, of Akron, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at United Zion Retirement Home, Lititz.
She was born on a farm near Hahnstown to the late Rev. Wesley P. and Mamie C. (Zwally) Martin and was the wife of the late Peter R. Lausch Jr., who passed away in 1974 and Harold I. Crouse, who passed away in 2001. She was named after Aunt Esther Matilda Zwally Demmy and Aunt Elizabeth Martin Espenshade.
Esther was a member of the Akron United Zion Church where she was a very active member, organist, pianist, choir director, Sunday school teacher, church board member, and treasurer. She attended Akron School for 10 years and graduated from Messiah Bible Academy, Grantham, in 1940. During her working years, she worked as an LPN at the Graystone Hospital in Morris Plains, N.J. and later she worked for Chet Long Real Estate in Akron. Esther co-wrote and co-directed the 100th anniversary church drama "Onward to Zion." She and her father also directed the "Tidings of Joy" radio ministry for 16 years. She was also served the community as a 4-H club sewing leader for 16 years as well as a Community Bible school teacher.
She is survived by her children: Dale R. Lausch of Leola; Kathleen A., wife of Thomas Wiedman of Lititz; Dean W., husband of Sandra (Cregger) Lausch of Lancaster; Marilyn K. Shafer of Ephrata; Dorcas L., wife of P.K. Goel of Davidsonville, Md.; a step daughter: Margaret Grissinger of Mt. Joy; 10 grandchildren: Wendi, Matthew, Lisa, Neil, Rebecca, Wesley, Adam, Jenna, Megan and Peter; seven great-grandchildren: Jake, Julia, Cody, Madison, Lily, Logan and Tre; and two step-grandchildren: Jerry and Keith.
In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter: Elaine J. Barker.
A viewing was held April 11 at the Stradling Funeral Home, Akron. An additional viewing was held April 12 at the Fellowship Center beside the Akron United Zion Church, followed by her funeral service with Rev. Kenneth Redcay officiating. Interment took place in the Mt. Zion Evangelical Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Esther's memory may be made to Akron United Zion Church, 31 S. 10th Street, Akron, PA 17501.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.