Esther J. Franck age 93, formerly of Big Rapids, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2010 at Aspen Grove Assisted Living in Lambertville, MI. She was born on December 17, 1916 in Big Rapids to William and Mertie (Ely) Hanson. Esther attended school in Rockford, Petoskey and Grand Rapids before graduating from Big Rapids High School in 1934. She married Clarence "Tuffy" Franck in 1936 on an Easter Sunday in Big Rapids where they made their home and raised their family. When Esther was younger she enjoyed sailing her boat, water skiing and swimming at the cottage on Chippewa Lake. In July of 2007 Esther moved from Big Rapids to Aspen Grove where she received the kind and loving care of a wonderful staff. Esther was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids where she served as the financial secretary for a number of years. She was also involved with the Women's Society and the church choir. Her hobbies included ceramics, knitting and crocheting. Esther was an avid reader and passed the love of knowledge onto her family. Esther is survived by four loving children, Bonnie (John) Schuberg of LaSalle, MI, Kurt (Mary) Franck of Baja, Mexico, Mark (Melodee) Franck of Roanoke, VA and Dan Franck of Kailua Kona, HA; 7 grandchildren who she loved spending time with, Andrew (Kim) Franck, Matthew Franck, Ted (Tieme) Schuberg, Troy Schuberg, Holly (Jeff) Smith, Dean Franck and Dr. Leelia Franck; 6 great-grandchildren, Jeff and Drew Franck, Eric and Wade Schuberg and Cameron and Chloe Smith. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her husband Clarence "Tuffy" , on Oct. 18, 1982 and 3 sisters, Bessie Kingsley, Ruth Mason, and Beulah Payne. The family will greet friends on Thursday, Sept. 30th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 1, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church, 304 Elm St., Big Rapids, with Pastor Mike Riegler officiating. Interment will follow at Highland View Cemetery. Contributions in Esther's name can be given to Aspen Grove Ass't. Liv., Erie West Hospice or the First United Methodist Church.