Esther M. Findling

Esther M. FindlingEsther M. (VanPatten) Findling, 89, 4871 W. St. Rd. 28, Tipton, died at 2:50 a.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.  She was born January 16, 1917, in Syracuse, New York to Harry & Margaret (Rohlen) VanPatten and lived there for 40 years. She then moved to Elyria, Ohio for 15 years and Columbus, Ohio for two years before settling in Tipton in 1972.  She married John Boyer Findling on July 31, 1943, and after 60 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on October 17, 2003.She was a homemaker and mother and was a member of Kemp United Methodist Church.  Early in life she was a soloist and choir member of the Church of the Savior in Syracuse. Esther was a graduate of Syracuse (New York) University with a Bachelor's Degree in Library Science.  She was a member of the Tipton Embroidery Circle and the Tipton County Extension Homemakers Organization.  An avid bridge player she enjoyed winning a bridge championship.Esther was a former volunteer for the Elyria Memorial Hospital and in the last few years she knitted over 70 hats for newborn babies she donated to several hospitals.  She was a gourmet cook and enjoyed spending many winters in South Florida with her husband.Survivors include one daughter, Judith Findling Stanger, Bridgeton, New Jersey; one son, John Boyer Findling, Jr., Mableton, Georgia; three grandchildren, Regan Ruth Stanger, M.D., New York City, Ross Adam Stanger, Bridgeton, New Jersey, and Mary Ellen Lewis, Charlotte, North Carolina; one great-granddaughter, Caroline Ruth Lewis.  One brother and one sister preceded her in death.There will be no public service.  Friends are invited to greet Esther's family from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at her residence, 4871 W. St. Rd. 28, Tipton.Memorial contributions may be made to the John & Esther Findling Scholarship Fund c/o Ball State University Foundation, P.O. Box 672, Muncie, Indiana, 47308. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements..