Esther Ruth Stonier, age 89, of South Olcott Road

[Stan]

Esther Ruth Stonier, age 89, of South Olcott Road, Big Flats, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at home. She was born on November 11, 1922 in Covington, PA, the daughter of Edd E. and Edith (Brace) Smith. She married William Henry Stonier in 1943 in South Lancaster, MA. He predeceased her in 1983.

Esther graduated from Northside High School. She was a foster caregiver for many years, opening her home throughout the years to nearly 80 children and adults. She was an avid bird watcher. She enjoyed traveling and camping and she was a wonderful cook and baker. She attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Corning and was dedicated to her religion.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, Lynn S. and Sabine Stonier of Savona, Linda and George Stafford of Smithfield, NC, Lucinda and David Adams of South Bradford, and Donald and Lynn M. Stonier of Big Flats; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Bill Hafner of Auburn, NY; brothers and sisters-in-law, Glenn and Robert A. Smith of Calhoun, GA, and Paul and Jeanne Smith of Collegedale, TN; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great, great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sons, Lewis Stonier and William Stonier, and by her siblings, Cora Lainson, Walton Smith, Harold Smith, and James Smith.

A memorial service will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 121 Fuller Avenue in Corning on March 10, 2012 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to Lucinda Adams, P.O. Box 197, Big Flats, NY 14814, to be forwarded to children's ministries.

Arrangements are with Carpenter's Funeral Home, LLC in Corning.