Esther (Clossen) Cleaver

Esther (Clossen) Cleaver, 84, of Hollow Road, Orangeville, died early Wednesday morning, July 23, 2014 at the Orangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center where she had been a resident since July 17th. She had been in ill health for several years. Born April 25, 1930 in Bloomsburg, she was a daughter of the late Jay and Martha (Kirkendahl) Clossen. She and her husband, William J. Cleaver, would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this August 9th. She attended North Centre School and was a graduate of Bloomsburg High School in 1949. She was a Home Economics graduate of Mansfield University in 1953. Esther was employed by Penn State Extension Service as a home economist and served the Counties of Columbia, Montour and Northumberland. After raising her five children she returned to Bloomsburg University and received another degree in Early Childhood Education. She also attended Penn State, Shippensburg and Temple University. She taught in the Benton Schools and then was employed by the Central Columbia School District for 25 years, ending her career as a kindergarten teacher. She was greatly respected by her pupils, their parents and her peers. She was named in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" in 1992. She was an international 4-H delegate to the national congress and was honored to meet President Harry Truman during his administration as she had been very active in 4-H. She was also a member of Zion United Church of Christ. Esther was a licensed motorcyclist and she and her husband toured 47 of the 48 contiguous states, and all of the Provinces of Canada by motorcycle. She was a lifetime member of the Gold Wing Road Riders of America. She was also an ardent hunter, an avid fisherwoman, gardener and an all-around outdoors person. Surviving in addition to her husband, are her 5 children: LeVon Cleaver and his wife, Carmie, of Berwick; Lona Smith and her husband, Joel, of Orangeville; LaChelle Fulmer and her husband, Thomas, of Orangeville; Lorelei Harmon and her husband, Kevin, of Berwick; Leslie Zoltowski and her husband, Gerard, of Millville. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and a brother, Paul Clossen, of Catawissa. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Ruth Seesholtz in 1974 and Pauline Wyant in 1955 and by a brother, Carl Clossen in 2005. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 11 A. M. at the Zion United Church of Christ, 24 Zion Church Road, Orangeville, with the Rev. Nancy Light Hardy, her Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Cemetery, Fishing Creek Township. A Viewing will be held Saturday from 9 AM until the time of the Service at 11 at the Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Zion United Church of Christ, c/o LaChelle Fulmer, 117 Martenas Road, Orangeville, PA 17859.

Esther (Clossen) Cleaver

April 25, 1930 - July 23, 2014