Esther Young

Esther Rosella Young, 84, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026. Born on January 20, 1942, Esther was surrounded by family and loved ones when the Lord called her to her heavenly home.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Young, with whom she shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a loving family that includes eight children, 27 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren. Esther’s greatest joy in life was her unwavering faith and her relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was never shy about sharing the joy of knowing Jesus with anyone she encountered. Even as dementia gradually took her memory, she never forgot who Jesus was or the profound meaning He held in her life.

Esther’s life was centered on ensuring that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew they were deeply loved and cherished. She prioritized nurturing their personal relationships with Jesus and often reminded them how proud their Papaw would be of them. To Esther, they were her “diamonds and jewels,” a reflection of the immense love she carried for each one.

A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all who knew her, Esther’s warmth and hospitality left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her grandchildren hold treasured memories of growing up surrounded by her love and the special times spent with both her and Papaw. Esther’s generosity knew no bounds; she welcomed strangers as family and was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.

In a final act of selflessness and giving, Esther donated her body to the medical department at Ohio University in Athens. Through this generous contribution, she hoped to aid in advancing research and finding cures for illnesses such as dementia and arthritis.

Esther is survived by her children: Kandy Barr; Kathy (John) Burge; Robert (Melissa) Young Jr.; Konny Wilson; Ronny (Suzanne) Young; Kristi (Cory) Thompson; Kelly (Kristin) Young; and William “Rod” (Angie) Young. She also leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Zachary and Kaylee Barr; Chase (Bethany) Burge; Chelsea (Jared) Decker; Chad Burge; Robert Young III; Ashley (Gideon Fisher) Saunders; Sarah Andros; Jason (Olivia) Karns; Kortney (Michael) Shaeffer; Jerrid (Ashlee) Karns; Kelsey Wilson; Lesley (Colby) Biggs; Sydney Wilson; Collin (Kenzie) Young; Olivia Young; Merideth (Hunter) Sherman; Curtis Young; Audri (Stephen) Adkins; Taylor Thompson; Ali (Jason) Burgett; Rachel (Zachariah) Drysdale; Noah (Katheryne) Young; Rebekah Young; William Young; Vada (Carson) Price; and Barrett Young. Her great-grandchildren include Alexa and Raylynne Barr; Brielle, Wynn, and Kenna Burge; Wren and Luke Decker; McAllister and Lyla Saunders; Emiliana and Gianna Karns; Michael Jr., John, Gabriel, and Isaac Shaeffer; Jack and Lucy Karns; Jonah and Josie Wilson; Kennedy and Butcher Biggs; Esther Wilson; Mac, Rocky, and Steele Young; Nathanael, Selah, Eli, and Sophia Adkins; Ada and Mina Burgett; Jeremiah and Kal-El Young; Brooks, Brutus, and Brixton Price.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to support dementia or arthritis research in memory of their beloved mother.

Esther’s legacy of faith, love and generosity will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation Services to be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026 , 2:30 pm - 5pm. Funeral service 5 pm. at Halteman, Fett & Dyer Funeral Home, 436 N. Broad St. Lancaster, OH