Esther T. Laidig, 98, passed July 31, 2018, at home.

Born in Johannesburg MI September 16, 1919, she moved to Holmdel in 1966.

Predeceased by parents Leslie and Nellie Tippin, sisters Dale Gould and Ruth Sterrett, husband John F. and son John R. Laidig, she is survived by daughters Judith Higginbotham, Margaret Chatham, Susan Dansand, Jean Laidig; son Thomas Laidig (Helen Evans); 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-greats.

Esther earned her high school diploma from Topeka KS 1937, and her BA in Home Economics from Kansas University [Miller Scholarship] 1941. Generous with her time and donations, she contributed to many organizations including Christian Women’s Club and Concerned Women for America, and volunteered at school libraries, hospitals, and daycare centers.

Her busy crochet hook turned out countless afghans and baby blankets for relatives, friends, and acquaintances. She enjoyed living in the house she helped design, watching the wildflowers grow year by year within her own “National Park” wooded lot. She raised a houseful of children who love reading and who still enjoy getting together for family reunions. She cooked and supervised for family camping trips to all fifty states, most of Canada and half of Mexico.

A memorial observance will be held at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel from 3 pm – 5 pm on Sat., September 8. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her name may be made to the National Park Foundation (www.nationalparks.org), Heifer International (www.heifer.org) or Children, Incorporated (www.childrenincorporated.org).