Mary Esther Harlow

Mary Esther Harlow, age 91 of Xenia, passed away Thursday, December 22, 2022. She was born June 11, 1931 in Hendricks County, Indiana, the daughter of the late Otis and Opal Stewart.

Mary raised 7 children, was a homemaker for her family and also a Jehovah Witness. She was always a very independent, determined woman. She raised a strong family and taught them to also be independent and determined. She did a lot herself that most women wouldn't have done; she would always figure out how to accomplish what she needed done. She loved collecting cookie jars, buttons, chickens and was a fantastic cook. Her, or should we say our, favorites were beef and noodles, mac and cheese, fried chicken, strawberry rhubarb pie, German chocolate cake and of course her strawberry jelly which she always said was a secret recipe as she giggled! Everything tasted better at Grandma's, even the mini candy bars she kept in the refrigerator drawer and she had the coldest pop in Jasper! She loved her red 64' Impala and she had a very meticulously organized garage. She loved her family! Kids, grandkids, great grandkids and great great grandkids and she had the best hugs ever! She loved to fish but she had her own style. She would get so excited that she would forget to reel the pole in and just yanked on it, slinging the poor fish onto the bank! All the time laughing and screaming with excitement. She was so kind, thoughtful, Godly, amazing and smart. There wasn't anything she couldn't do. She loved George Strait and could tell anyone how to fix a stain, refinish furniture or cook anything. Another memory that we all have are of her wonderful pancakes, not only were they the best but she would flip them in the air for us and just giggle. Heaven gained a wonderful angel and she will be missed greatly by so many. Love you mom/grandma. Rest peacefully, Mary Ester Harlow, your work here is done.

She is survived by her children, Bob Harlow (Sherry), Debra Kay Raplee (Preston), Keri Ruth Thomas (Mark), Debra Lynn Fouts (Tim) and Janie Randall (Brett); 16 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Opal Stewart; husband, Paul Harlow; son, Greg Harlow, daughter, Pamela Stoneburner; grandson, Christopher Harlow; sister, Bonnie Ellen Shelton and brothers, Dale and Donald Eugene Stewert.

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 5, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432). A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 6, 2023 at 10:00 am with burial to follow at Woodland Cemetery in Xenia.






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