Esther Van Gieson

Esther Van Gieson, “Rody” to friends and family, passed away peacefully, Friday, March 29. She was 94.

Esther was born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan to Esther and Antonio Rodriguez. She had five siblings, Antonio Rodriguez, Theresa Rodriguez, Ernesto Rodriguez and Luisa Rodriguez and Raoul Rodriguez, of which Theresa and Louise are still with us.

She married Walter Van Gieson on December 23, 1950 in Detroit, MI. She is survived by their children: Linda Hicks (Steven), Karl Van Gieson and Terri Chester (Charles); seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband.

Esther led a full life from birth to death. She played varsity basketball and Volleyball at Fordson High School, Dearborn, Michigan where she captained the volleyball team. After high school, Esther enlisted and was a military veteran serving as a Sergeant in the Army.

Upon discharge, Esther married and began a family and started her professional career.

Esther’s three children were gifted to have an incredible mother who was very active in their lives.

From being a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, to a Scout Leader for the Girl Scouts. She taught her children a multitude of life skills, from cooking, to sewing, camping, and sports (bowling, volleyball, softball and basketball) as well community service. In addition to those skills, Esther was a phenomenal athlete and craftswoman.

Esther was a ground breaker breaking barriers professionally and personally. Some of her milestones included being named the first female department head in the stockholder records division of Ford Motor company in Dearborn, MI. She was also the first female to receive a credit card in her name only with Winkleman’s Store.

Esther and Walter were very active in the community including membership in the Dearborn Elks Lodge #1941. Esther retired from Ford Motor Company after 25 years, moving with Walter to Beaverton, Michigan where they continued to lead an active and dynamic life.

Esther’s athletic prowess continued after retirement.

Esther was active on local bowling and golf leagues.

Esther was also a member of the Gladwin Eagles 3292.

Esther’s craftiness continued throughout her life. She was an artist with a specialty in oil painting, as well as a premier seamstress from clothing to upholstery.

Her gardening skills were legend as she was a Master Gardener and a member of the Beaverton beautification committee. Her personal gardens were admired by many in the community.

Esther, together with her dear friend, Billie Tarzwell, started the Crazy Heart Quilters Quilt Club, in Beaverton, which still thrives today.

Her home and the homes of her children are adorned with her exquisite quilting and artwork.

Esther was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

The family will host a memorial service at a future date to be determined.

Interment will be in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the Beaverton Downtown Develop Authority as their beautification program was a favorite of Esther’s. City of Beaverton, Attn: DDA, PO Box 477, Beaverton, MI 48612.

Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, Beaverton, Michigan. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome. com.