Mrs. Esther Ann Dobbs Starcher, widow of the late Jesse Starcher, was born Nov. 7, 1849, in Marshall county. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. F .R. Chambers, Charleston. she was 85 years three months and nine days old at the time of her death.

She was reared by her aunt, Mrs. Jordan McMillan, of Roane county.

She was married in the year 1870 to Jesse Starcher, who preceded her in death on March 12, 1933.

This brief sketch is the record of a life of loving, devoted, self-sacrificing service, seldom equaled. It is not within our power to adequately portray the life and character of a woman who possessed the characteristics of Heaven and endeavored to do her duty.

The high ideal which she exemplified is Heaven's own. The reward that awaits her in the better world is the measure of her value. She believed life, whether in this world or another, is the sum of our attainments, and its course through fatherhood, motherhood, friendship, and legitimate relation of whatever kind. The flowers we seek to lay in grateful tribute upon her broken altar of home and friendship are sad reminders of the beauties that are no more, songs whose cadences are hushed, and loves from life disjoined.

While it is not mete that deep thinking man should express grief for the dead in silence, yet no words can ever speak the grief we feel. It has been said that God keeps a place in Heaven for our idols, for those who serve to bless His creatures in the earth. Measured by these sentiments, Esther Ann Starcher had gone to receive her promotion in the appointed place in God's everlasting temple of love.

She was a devoted wife and mother, and made her home radiant with joy. She never lost an opportunity to impress upon those about her the importance that all lasting happiness must be founded strictly upon religious principles. No person ever came to her in sorrow that she did not give comfort; no suffering was known to her, that she did not minister consolation and help. She did not wait to be informed of distress but as an Angle of Mercy she sought where she might find someone to cheer.

There are homes darkened by sorrow and distress that shall miss her and wonder if God will send another so thoughtful and true. Such a life, gemmed with the fruits of charitable deeds and loveliness of character, make up the record in the realms forever blest. She sang life, a song sweetly and endeavored to perform its duties, hoping in some way to enrich the world with a sense of love and to attune human souls to celestial harmonies. Her mission was to do good wherever she is, Heaven is. Sister Starcher's faith and devotion to her Savior led her to unite with the Baptist church in Parkersburg. In the folds of this church she remained a level and faithful member until her labor ended and God in His wisdom called her home to the Church of Triumphant.

She is survived by the following. One son, M. P. Starcher of Otto, one daughter, Mrs. F.R. Chambers of Charleston: grandchildren: F. R. Starcher, Mullins; Carl, John, Fred, and Billy Starcher, Otto; W. K. and and Edgar Chambers, Charleston; Mrs. C. C. Graybill, Mrs. F. A. Snyder and Mrs. Rae Gilmer, Charleston; Mrs. W. P. Suttle, Looneyville; Miss Esther and Claire Starcher, Parkersburg; Mrs. Boyd Wallbrown, Akron; Bernice and Azaline Starcher, Otto. She also leaves 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Burial services were conducted by the Rev. Herbert Spencer on Thursday, February 28 after which the body was laid to rest in the Otto cemetery, there to await the resurrection of the just.

Written by a friend, E. H. Bissell

(Esther Starcher passed away February 1935)
(Submitted by Evelyn Starcher)