Individual Details

Death

Esther Fae Books, 95, 121 W. Third St., passed away at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at Life Care Center of Rochester.She was born on Dec. 26, 1915, in Kewanna to Frank E. and Blanche M. (Morris) Pickens.On Sept. 15, 1935, Esther repeated her wedding vows and became the wife of Everett F. "Franklin" Books in Rochester. Their union spanned 30 years and produced a beautiful daughter Sue. Over the years Esther, the proud matriarch of her family, oversaw the addition of three generations.Esther retired from Torx Products in 1977 after over 30 years of dedicated service to the company. Retirement allowed her to focus more on her family she so dearly loved. She is remembered for preparing special dishes especially her delicious, home made chicken and noodles. She always looked forward to visits from her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Kim's Yorkshire Terrier, Logan.As a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church Esther was active in the ladies groups and Sunday school in her earlier years. An avid card player, Esther enjoyed spirited games of spite and malice. Day trips, dining out and enjoying many exciting adventures with her girlfriends were among her top priorities and some of her best memories in life. Esther Fae leaves behind her church family, Torx friends, a few card playing buddies, her loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren to carry on the family legacy and cherish the many good times and memories they all shared.Esther is lovingly remembered by her granddaughter, Kim (Wesner) Holladay and husband Gary Sr., Athens, Ala.; two grandsons, Bill Wesner, Sullivan, and Jon Wesner, Houston, Texas; two great-grandsons, Andrew Holladay and Gary Holladay Jr.; brother Ralph Pickens and wife Ondah, Lucerne; son-in-law Darrell Wesner and wife Nancy, Sullivan; and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Everett on May 20, 1966; daughter Sue Wesner; July 9, 1996; three sisters, Helen Smith, Mabel Burrous, and Edna Annis; six brothers, Herman, Raymond, Frank Jr., Robert, Clyde, and Clifford Pickens; and her stepmother Hazel Pickens.Services entrusted to Good Family Funeral Home.  Family links:  Parents:  Franklin E Pickens (1890 - 1966)  Blanche May Morris Pickens (1893 - 1954)  Spouse:  Everette F. Books (1914 - 1966)  Children:  Janice Sue Books Wesner (1939 - 1996)*  Siblings:  Esther Fae Pickens Books (1915 - 2011)  Raymond Pickens (1920 - 1999)*  Edna Mae Pickens Annis (1923 - 1989)* *Calculated relationship Burial:Rochester IOOF CemeteryRochesterFulton CountyIndiana, USAPlot: Section 18, Row 9