Esther A. Allen-Haire

Esther A. Allen-Haire was born on February 8, 1924 and left this earth to be with her Lord on April 4, 2020. Esther passed quietly at her home, age 96 years, with her family at her side. Esther was born to Stewart and Ocea Eddy (LeVasseur) in Flint, Michigan. She spent most of her adult life in Bay County area. She graduated from Central High School and then went on to work for Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator. In 1946 she married Russell Allen upon his return from WWII. They built homes, family and a life together during their 41 years of marriage. Russell died in 1987 in Bay County.

In 1997 Esther married John Haire of Cass City where they resided until his death in 2009. They enjoyed traveling and various outings together. She enjoyed spending time with family and was always ready to play a board game. Esther was a member of New Life Missionary Church in Bay City for many years. She also attended in recent years Golden Horizons Senior Center where she made new friends.

Esther is survived by her children, William (Julie) Allen of Villages, FL, Lee Allen (Sue) of Midland, Linda Allen of Freeland and Jayne Zito of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Kellie (Donny) Hopps, Jason (Michelle) Allen, Kris (Jerry) Oatley, Debbie Allen, Jeremy Zito, Angela Zito (Justin Rivait) and Ben Zito; eleven great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; step children, Lynn (Larry) Soroka of Plymouth, B.J. (Roger) Salo of Plymouth and Clark (Karen) Haire of Cass City and nine step grandchildren; three brothers and one sister-in-law. Esther was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Russel and John; one sister, two brothers, four sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law and one step grandchild.

A private funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Officiating will be Rev. Jonathan K. Boyer with private interment following in Heavenly Rest Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to New Life Missionary Church in Bay City. Anyone who wishes to live stream Esther's funeral service; please contact Gephart Funeral Home for the link.