Esther F. Hildebrand Lockett, age 94, of Mount Gilead and long time resident of Morrow County, died Febuary 5, 2013, peacefully at home surrounded by her family.
On December 13, 1918, Esther was born at home in Morrow County, near Pulaskiville, the youngest of two daughters of the late George and Keturah (Hull) Houseberg. She graduated from Chesterville High School in the Class of 1937 and soon after earned a business degree in Columbus.
Esther worked for several years as a court recorder and secretary in Columbus. She returned to Mt. Gilead and married Leslie Hildebrand on June 25, 1950, at Bryn Zion Church. Together they raised two sons, Larry and David, and shared over 32 years of marriage. They enjoyed their music and many other activities. He preceded her in death on November 16, 1982.
While raising her family, Esther worked as the “welcome wagon lady” for the Morrow County Chamber of Commerce, welcoming and giving tours to the “Who’s New Club”. She also had been a member of the Beta Progress Club, many couples and women’s bridge clubs, and was very politically active.
A woman of faith, Esther was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Esther sang in the church choir as well as many other occasions.
With a love for gardening, Esther took great pride in her flowers every year, especially her hostas. She also enjoyed making flower arrangements from the various flowers she had raised.
Getting a second chance at love, after taking dancing lessons in Columbus, Esther met Winn Lockett. Great companions to one another, they were married on March 6, 1988, and have shared another lifetime together.
Always ready to go anywhere and everywhere in a moment’s notice, Esther loved to go out and take in a show or go to a restaurant. She always had a full calendar, and it was obvious that Winn was a perfect fit for Esther, because he was the “only one who could keep up with her”. They also loved traveling together, going on many cruises.
Very outgoing and happy, Esther it could be said simply that she truly “loved life”. Her big smile and generous spirit will not soon be forgotten.
She will be dearly missed by her husband, Winn Lockett of Mount Gilead; two sons: Larry (Sharon) Hildebrand of Marengo, and Dave Hildebrand of Mount Gilead; five grandchildren: John (Aundraya) Hildebrand, James (Jamie) Hildebrand, Sarah Hildebrand, Jeremy Mullett, and Susan (Lynn) Broome; three great-grandchildren: Tula and Connor Hildebrand and Aaron Thompson. Two step-children Mike and Bret Lockett and their families along with several nieces and nephews.
Including her first husband and parents, Esther was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Walker.
Her family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2013, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services celebrating her life will also be held there on Friday at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Carl Schaefer officiating. Burial will follow in Bryn Zion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Morrow County Humane Society, Trinity United Methodist Church and Harbor Light Hospice, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve Esther’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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