Connie Sue Esch

Connie Sue Esch of Dallas, Georgia was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior Jesus, on January 27, 2026, following an extended period of illness. Connie was born in Urbana, Ohio on Aug.16,1957 to Ernest and Marjorie (Young) Ratcliff.

Connie attended West liberty – Salem Local Schools in West Liberty, Ohio and graduated in 1975. She was active in choir and several social and activity clubs at school as well as her church youth groups.

On Sept. 20, 1975, she married her high school sweetheart, Donald Richard “Rick” Esch. Connie used her God given gifts of caring and serving to focus her life on being the best possible wife and mother. Her nurturing of their two children, TJ (Michelle) Esch of West Liberty, Ohio and Laura (Nick) Davis of Dallas, Georgia, led to her true passion, being a grandmother. Being “Mamaw” to her grandchildren Taylor (Cody) Lang, namesake Caileigh Sue Joyce, Andrew and Parker Davis, and one special great granddaughter, Presley Lang, who she longed to meet, was her greatest passion in life.

During the interval between mom and mamaw, Connie used her gifts by being a sales associate at the newly opened Wal-Mart in Bellefontaine, Ohio. She was selected to be at the “Number 1” register for the official visit of Sam Walton. Following a life-altering spinal surgery, Connie began serving at Joni and Friends summer camps for families of children with disabilities. She served multiple years creating lifelong relationships. She also was very active in her church children’s ministries serving as a leader for the middle school girls’ group as well as annual Bible Schools.

Following her relocation to Gadsden, Alabama in 2016, Connie focused more on supporting all her FaceBook friends in their lives by offering her love, prayers, and support. In 2019, Connie had a significant medical issue that required a lengthy ICU and rehab stay. Rick retired in 2020, and they relocated to Dallas, Georgia to be near to their granddaughter, Caileigh. Connie’s life was impacted by ESRD requiring three, three-hour dialysis treatments each week. Aside from doting on Cai, loving and supporting each of her fellow patients and nurses at dialysis was her goal. In 2025, Connie experienced multiple health issues that hospitalized her for nearly 100 days in multiple locations. At each stay, once she was able, she focused on each person that entered her room, acknowledging and complimenting them, thanking them and sharing with them her love for her friend, Jesus.

In addition to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter, Connie is survived by her mother-in-law Jean Picklesimer, brothers-in-law Terry (Lisa) Esch, Mike (Missy) Esch, and Aunt Linda (Lloyd) Tackett of Grayson, Kentucky as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and adopted family members. Finally, she will be greatly missed by her beloved Cavapoo, Cole.

Connie was proceeded in death by her parents Ernest and Marjorie (Young) Ratcliff, her father-in-law Reverend Donald Esch as well as multiple aunts, uncles, and other family members that were very special to her.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all doctors, nurses, dialysis technicians, and all others that have cared and supported for Connie over the years. May God richly bless you as you blessed us.

It is beyond doubt that Connie never met a stranger! When you think of her, smile, and share it with someone else. That’s what sharing the “joy of Jesus” was for her. May the love of Jesus bless and comfort each of you too.

In leu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations be made in her name to Joni and Friends, Ohio

(http://www.joniandfriends.org/ohio), J and J Village (https://ppay.co/2WoGHdsRFVU) at LifeBridge Church in Kennesaw, Georgia, or to Presley’s Purpose (http://venmo.com/presleyspurpose) in West Liberty, Ohio.