Esther Hager Oehler

Esther Fay Hager Oehler, died, Tuesday, September 06, 2011 at the age of 92 at the Haven in Highland Creek. She was born May 2, 1919 in Mecklenburg County to the late Pierce Ivey Hager and Elizabeth Hager. Esther attended Long Creek school and while there enjoyed playing on the basketball team. Esther attended a community dance in Long Creek and the sound of her infectious laughter caught the attention of June Oehler. There were married on November 10, 1938 and celebrated 64 glorious years of marriage. Esther worked tirelessly in Junes BBQ business and even after retirement, Esther could be found working at her sons BBQ barn serving the guest banana pudding and making sure every dish was washed and cleaned before leaving. Work was something Esther never shied away from. Esther raised three rambunctious boys, worked her garden, canned and froze vegetables and fruits and kept a house that would pass any white glove test. Esther was known for her green thumb. She had a connection to the Earth that allowed her to grow anything and even bring withering plants back to a healthy state. In her free time, Esther enjoyed sewing, growing flowers from seed or off shoots, refinishing antique furniture and making crafts. She attended ceramic classes and began each grandchild their own ceramic Santa collection. When Esther and June married, she began attending Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church. There she taught Sunday School for both youth and adult classes, taught Vacation Bible School, was circle leader and was awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership by the Women of Mallard Creek in 1975. For 15 years Esther and June were members of the Swinging Mallards Square Dance Club and traveled to the National Conventions in Canada and Hawaii. Esther used her knowledge of the BBQ business to help orchestrate the annual Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church BBQ. She would be found seasoning the BBQ after it had been chopped, never using a measuring cup and then on the day of the BBQ greeting patrons as she served up the BBQ on their plates. Esther Oehler will be remembered for her infectious laugh, love of the outdoors, green thumb and hardworking nature. She was described as a loving mother and mamaw, close friend and dedicated and loving wife. She is survived by sons, Tommy Oehler (Grace Ann), Donnie Oehler (Susie) and Craven Oehler (Sue): her grandchildren Chip Oehler (Lisa), Todd Oehler (Amy), Lee Ann Oehler, Sharon Kimrey (Charles), Wendy Oehler- White, Stephanie Barrett(Scot), Billy Oehler and beloved great grandchildren Trevor Barrett, Amber Kimrey, Kalie Barrett, McKenzie Kimrey, Rachael Oehler, Blaine Kimrey, Jessie Oehler, Miles Oehler, Cale Oehler, Will Oehler and Jeb and Jake White. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by husband, J.W. Oehler, sisters: Ruth Hager, Sara Hager, Margaret Nelson, Bea Mundy and brothers: Walter Hager and Craven Hager. Visitation will be conducted from 10am until the time of service at 11:30 am on Thursday September 8, 2011 at the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church, with Rev. John Wilkerson and Rev. Ernest Gardner officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and The Robinson Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church, 1600 West Mallard Creek Church Rd. Charlotte, NC 28269 or Hospice & Palliative Care, 705 Griffith St. Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. www.raymerfh.com