Esther Ruth Schott

Esther Ruth Schott, 91, passed away on June 1, 2025, at Lima Convalescent Home.

Esther was born on May 24, 1934 to Ora and Laura (Nittrouer) Schott in the small town of Seaman in southern Ohio. In her teenage years, she moved to South Bend, Indiana, along with her parents and only sibling, Joseph Clement “Clem”. There she attended and graduated from Riley High School, then went on to Bethel College where she earned a degree in Biblical Literature. A few years later, she went back to Bethel where she completed her Elementary School Teaching degree. After teaching a year in Burr Oak, Michigan School system, she spent several years in Indiana doing various jobs. Esther loved playing the piano and working in “Good News” clubs. Esther also loved to read fiction, nonfiction, self help books, the Bible and doing Bible studies. She also enjoyed playing games, find-a-word, crochet, and later, adult coloring. She was a very kind and compassionate nurse aide in the mid-70’s. Some of that time was in Ohio so she could live near her brother, Clem. For nearly 30 years, she pent time in Bethany, Kentucky at Bethany Christian Mission Center ministering to orphans. There, she taught children, was a caregiver for invalids, worked in the church kitchen, and was a teacher’s aide at the Christian school. In her spare time, she gave piano lessons to children. When she retired in 2008, she returned to Lima, Ohio. For the last several years, she has resided at Lima Convalescent Home. Esther was a prayer warrior and faithful member of Lima First Missionary Church. She always had a smile on her face and kind words for everyone.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ora and Laura, and brother Clem, along with a sister Lois, who died at birth. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Edith “Edie” (Campbell) Schott who lives in South Bend, Indiana, her niece, Kristina (Schott) and husband Rodney Craig from South Bend. She also is survived by her foster niece, Audrey (Joyner) and husband, Mike Lawrence and their son, Stephen, and also foster nephew, Larry Joyner, his wife, Linda and family. Esther will greatly be missed by her family and church friends.

We would like to extend sincere gratitude to Larry and Linda Joyner and their family, and Audrey and Mike Lawrence, who have been faithful in being a support for Esther.

The family is eternally grateful to Darlene White who looked after Esther’s needs and served selflessly ministering for several years. Darlene has been in charge of visiting Esther, communicating with staff in relation to her physical needs and relaying much-needed information to the family at important junctures regarding her care. She also made sure any of Esther’s personal needs were met.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, Ohio. The funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. Rev. Dr. Timothy White will officiate. Burial will follow at Salem Mennonite Cemetery, Elida, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Christian Mission Center, or Lima First Missionary Church.

Arrangements handled by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.