Esther Eileen Korner (née Clancy), age 82, passed away peacefully at her home on December 4, 2025, surrounded by her devoted daughters and her beloved little dog, Joey.
Born on June 29, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She dedicated much of her life to serving others—both professionally and personally. Esther retired from the Lockland City School District after a fulfilling career as a bus driver and educational aide, roles through which she touched countless young lives with her steady presence and warm spirit.
Esther's commitment to her community extended far beyond the school walls. In her earlier years, she proudly served on the Lockland Life Squad as an EMTA and made history as the first female lieutenant named to the squad. Her volunteerism was both wide-ranging and heartfelt: she gave her time generously to the PTA, Valley Interfaith Pantry, Bread of Life Ministries, Lockland Days as an organizer, L-Club activities, Lockland High School volleyball games as a scorekeeper, and even took center stage in the Lockland School Variety Show.
A woman of faith and fellowship, Esther was a recent member of Landmark Church where she could always be found sitting in the center row.
Esther had a vibrant personality that left an impression wherever she went. If you knew Esther, you knew Esther. —her laugh was infectious, her opinions unfiltered, and her presence unforgettable. She enjoyed simple pleasures: a good cigarette shared over conversation, a lucky streak at the casino, and all of her neighbors through out her years.
A passionate sports fan, Esther followed multiple teams with enthusiasm but held special affection for the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Esther now reunites with her beloved husband Joe Korner Jr., who passed away in 2024. She was also preceded in death by her parents Pearl and John Clancy; sister Pat Nose; and 4 half brothers and a half sister.
She leaves behind two loving daughters: Holly Norton (Jeff) and Heather Mattingly (Trenton); grandchildren Halie Clay (Mike), Trace Norton (Caitlin), and Paige Rodick (Ben); great-grandchildren Leo, Miles, Reese, Brooks, Sonny, Poppy, and Ruby; as well as cherished family-by-choice Ted & Carol Apke, Tom & Janet Grau, and Gayle Walker.
Esther's legacy is one of service, laughter, loyalty—and love that spanned generations. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Landmark Church Annex Building-Chalet Road 1600 Glendale Milford Road Cincinnati, OH 45215
Flowers and gifts are not needed. If you are one who insists, Hospice of Cincinnati greatly comforted Esther and the family.
Born on June 29, 1943, in Cincinnati, Ohio. She dedicated much of her life to serving others—both professionally and personally. Esther retired from the Lockland City School District after a fulfilling career as a bus driver and educational aide, roles through which she touched countless young lives with her steady presence and warm spirit.
Esther's commitment to her community extended far beyond the school walls. In her earlier years, she proudly served on the Lockland Life Squad as an EMTA and made history as the first female lieutenant named to the squad. Her volunteerism was both wide-ranging and heartfelt: she gave her time generously to the PTA, Valley Interfaith Pantry, Bread of Life Ministries, Lockland Days as an organizer, L-Club activities, Lockland High School volleyball games as a scorekeeper, and even took center stage in the Lockland School Variety Show.
A woman of faith and fellowship, Esther was a recent member of Landmark Church where she could always be found sitting in the center row.
Esther had a vibrant personality that left an impression wherever she went. If you knew Esther, you knew Esther. —her laugh was infectious, her opinions unfiltered, and her presence unforgettable. She enjoyed simple pleasures: a good cigarette shared over conversation, a lucky streak at the casino, and all of her neighbors through out her years.
A passionate sports fan, Esther followed multiple teams with enthusiasm but held special affection for the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Esther now reunites with her beloved husband Joe Korner Jr., who passed away in 2024. She was also preceded in death by her parents Pearl and John Clancy; sister Pat Nose; and 4 half brothers and a half sister.
She leaves behind two loving daughters: Holly Norton (Jeff) and Heather Mattingly (Trenton); grandchildren Halie Clay (Mike), Trace Norton (Caitlin), and Paige Rodick (Ben); great-grandchildren Leo, Miles, Reese, Brooks, Sonny, Poppy, and Ruby; as well as cherished family-by-choice Ted & Carol Apke, Tom & Janet Grau, and Gayle Walker.
Esther's legacy is one of service, laughter, loyalty—and love that spanned generations. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Landmark Church Annex Building-Chalet Road 1600 Glendale Milford Road Cincinnati, OH 45215
Flowers and gifts are not needed. If you are one who insists, Hospice of Cincinnati greatly comforted Esther and the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Esther Korner, please visit our flower store.
Esther Korner's Guestbook
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