Esther Cole Schmidt, 90, died June 24, 2010 at her daughter’s home in Northumberland. She was a former resident of Mountain Laurel Nursing Home, Clearfield and Fulmer’s Personal Care Home, Lock Haven.
Esther was predeceased by her first husband, Ashley Rishel and her second husband, Clifford Schmidt.
Esther retired from the former Town and Country Dept. Store, Williamsport after 17 years of service. Previously she worked in real estate and for the New York Telephone in Buffalo. In Williamsport she was a travel guide for 15 years arranging bus trips for senior citizens groups in Williamsport and the surrounding area. She was also a home health aide assisting house bound elderly and disabled.
Esther was a 1938 graduate of the Clearfield High School, a charter member of the Eastern Star.
Born Oct. 26, 1919 in Surveyor, Clearfield Co., she was the daughter of Frank and Sadie Chatham Cole. She was the last living member of her generation of three brothers and one sister.
Surviving are a daughter, Kathleen L. (Rusty) Kennedy of Northumberland; son, Rodney E. (Ellen) Rishel of Clearfield; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; five step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren.
Esther was predeceased by a son, Dennis A. Rishel, Williamsport; brothers, Dean Cole, Smethport, Kenneth Cole, Lock Haven, Paul Cole, Buffalo; sister, Olive Cole Hauck, Smethport.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. on July 3 at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 911-915 West Third Street, with Pastor Thomas Henderson officiating. No visitation. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Twin Hills Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions may be made to the VNA Health Systems Hospice Crossing, 21 West Independence, Shamokin, PA 17842 or to Susan G. Komen for The Cure, NE PA, 300 Mulburry, Suite 305, Scranton, PA 18501.