Hobaugh

Esther S. Hobaugh, 88, of Butler passed away at 4:40 p.m. Sunday at the VNA Inpatient Hospice.

She was born June 23, 1923, in Butler, to the late George W. Shira and Grace (Udell) Shira.

Mrs. Hobaugh graduated from Butler High School and The Butler Business College with a secretarial/administrative degree.

She held administrative positions at Pullman Standard, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Butler Memorial Hospital and the Butler School District.

Mrs. Hobaugh was a member of the Valencia United Methodist Church.

She was past president of the Tuesday Musical Club and Chorale, past president of GFWC, General Federation of Woman’s Club, and the United Methodist Women at Valencia United Methodist Church, and a member of Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.

Mrs. Hobaugh played the piano for 80 years, was an avid bridge player and enjoyed family, friends and the church.

Mrs. Hobaugh is survived by her loving spouse, Paul R. Hobaugh, who she married Oct. 5, 1946. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. She also is survived by one daughter, Ruth A. Crotzer and her husband, Richard V., of Butler; four grandchildren, Gregory P. Crotzer, Daniel J. O’Brien, Rebecca S. Gabriel and Jeffery M. Crotzer; three great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Paula Hobaugh Diggs; one brother, William Shira; and three sisters, Nina Kinzer, Martha Perry and Barbara Fagan.

HOBAUGH — Friends of Esther S. Hobaugh, who died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at

Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Valencia United Methodist Church, 66 Almira St., Valencia, with Pastor Robert Martin of the Valencia United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will take place in Butler County Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Valencia United Methodist Church, 66 Almira St., Valencia, PA 16059.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.