Esther Elsie Rodenhizer

Esther Elsie Rodenhizer, 95, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, North Carolina. She lived a long, exemplary life and remained vibrant until her health declined in her later years.

Born on February 7, 1930, in Grayson County, Virginia, Esther was the youngest of five children of James E. James and Elsie Testerman James. She lost her father at the age of three, and the family—her mother and four older siblings—relocated to Danville, Virginia, where she lived until her marriage in 1950.

On December 18, 1950, Esther married her childhood sweetheart, Gareth (“Gary”) Rodenhizer, in Danville. They moved to Springfield, Virginia in 1957, where they raised their family before relocating to Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1994. Esther enjoyed a simple and traditional life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to countless people over the years.

She enjoyed cooking—especially her “monster” oatmeal cookies and famous chocolate pie—riding her bicycle, traveling far and wide, and spending time with her immediate and extended family, and friends. She and Gary loved to go apple picking each fall, visiting orchards in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. An active member of the school PTA, she was heavily involved in her children’s education and was especially supportive of their many activities. Legend has it that she never missed a single baseball game or band concert. She was a devoted homemaker and relentless housekeeper, providing a safe, comfortable, clean, happy, peaceful home for her family.

Having lost her husband in 2019, she relocated to Pineville, North Carolina, to be near her son and daughter-in-law. She lived at The Manor in Pineville for nearly seven years, where she continued to make new friends until her declining health limited her energy and mobility.

Esther is survived by her son, Samuel Rodenhizer (Patricia); three grandchildren: Christina Clarke (Brian), Daniel Rodenhizer (Caitlin Brody), and Jamie Womack; step-grandson William Vetrano; three great-grandsons: Mateo Berry (Cheyenne), Colton Barnette, and Chase Barnette; and two great-great-granddaughters: Evelynn and Nova Berry.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Gary Rodenhizer, her daughter, Susan Womack, her granddaughter, Dawn Barnette, and her grandson Matthew Berry.

A memorial service celebrating Esther’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 officiated by Rev. Russ Dean at the McEwen Funeral Service—Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. The family will receive friends following the service.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider VIA Health Partners (Hospice and Palliative Care). https://www.viahp.org/

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com