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Esther Craw Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Esther Craw
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Mary Turner Stoots
February 17, 2021
Esther,
I miss you and think of you all the time. I hope that Lana, Marshall, and Carol are doing well. It was an honor to sing to all your friends and entertain with Glen after your funeral service in Florida. I will never forget it. Please know that none of us will ever forget what a great lady you are. ~ Mary
Claudia Rodenstine-Balch
June 10, 2017
Ester, I know you are up there looking down. Just want to remind you how much you meant to me while we were in Columbus and Diebels. I had so much fun doing your hair and singing with you... You were a bundle of joy. Miss you and wish I could hear you play again. Glad I was able to see you just before you left us and will never forget our times together.
Arnett
June 7, 2017
I'm glad that we're still thinking about you and honoring your memory with our prayers. I still see you on the ship going to Italy with thousands of men.
When the saints go marching in, I want to be in that number. Your sun,
Chuck the Buck Kerber
June 6, 2017
Today is D-Day plus 73 years. It made me think of Esther's USO service in WWll. Thank you for your service, Esther, and thanks for all the great times at Deibel's. You were truly a great and patriotic person.
Paul Svendsen
March 1, 2008
Dear Carol, Marshall, and Lana,
I will always remeber ypur Mom's 70th birthday. It was really great of all of you to take me in . Will never forget wearing one of your Mom's dresses and going to Diebels. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this time of sorrow.As families go and grow and drift apart the memories are strong as ever. Think of all of you often.Once again my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cathy (Christian) Lowry
February 27, 2008
Esther was my friends mom, and Esther befriended me too. I remember us girls spending the night with Lana time and again. Marshall was allowed in on the fun, usually. In the morning Esther was the first one up, and scrambling eggs for our breakfast. She was always warm, kind hearted and generous. With the brightest eyes she always welcomed us into her home and heart.
Jim O'Hara
February 27, 2008
Whenever I meet someone from Colombus, I ask them if they know Esther. Often, they do. My most heartfelt sympahty goes out to Carol, Lana, and Marshall. Your family has made me feel that I was a part of you. Ester was the best. She could make the room smile and laugh. We love you Ester!
Jenn Jacobs
February 26, 2008
My memories of Esther are great. She was so adorable, and hilarious to be with. When I was around Esther would seem to put up 1/2 an argument when Lana or Marshall wanted their way & of course the kids would always prevail. You knew Esther loved the kids very much and made them all happy. What other mom would let someone paint Bernie the Bagel on the ceiling and keep it there for years and years!? Nancy reminded me of how Esther fed Pepper-the (nice?)poodle a microwaved meal on a pillow in front of the full length mirror so he wouldn't be eating alone. That is so funny! We joke that Pepper was eating better than the kids!-Esther, thank you for the very fond memories, there are so many.
Kim Graft Doepping
February 26, 2008
Dear Carol, Marshall, Lana and families,
I am sorry to learn of Esther's passing. I will always remember her as a fun and vibrant woman who seemed to truly enjoy entertaining others. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug & Gina Vance
February 25, 2008
Our condolences to the Craw Family!
We used to listen to Esther with Glenn in the village.
What fun she had and enjoyed her music.
In 2001 my husband and I bought Gatsby's Bar in Gahanna where Esther used to play on St Patricks Day. Sadly for us and the Gatsby's regulars she moved to Florida but she would call around St Patrick's day.
She will be missed by many!
Thanks for all the memories!!!!
Patrick Mahoney
February 25, 2008
I am sorry to hear of Esther's passing. She was a terrific person and a great entertainer. Going to Deible's and joining in the fun with Esther was a highlight for physical therapy students from Ohio State University "The Good Ship Lolly Pop" was their favorite request and produced many good laughs!!!!. Esther's was truly a life well lived. Regards and condolences to her family and friends.
Pat Mahoney
Tom Sapp
February 24, 2008
My love and condolences go out to the Craw family. My brother and I had the good fortune to work with Ester back in the late seventies at the German Village landmark Deibels, where we hosted. Her music and good nature was contagious--well into the evening. She was the consummate performer, always sharing the stage with a vocalist wannabe in order to keep the crowd delighted.
On a typical Friday or Saturday night, the front door would open at
nine and forty or fifty enthusiastic patrons waiting for a table would part like the Red Sea--cheering with relief--so Ester could make her way to the stage.
The Hokey Pokey will never find my ears with as much energy and warmth!
God Bless you Ester, you touched so many people with your smile and talent.
Tom (and Mike) Sapp
Deibels 1977 to 1979
Claudia Rodenstine Balch
February 24, 2008
Carol, Lana, Marshal and all family members: I can hardly believe our loss. I am so greatful that we were able to see Esther just this last Nov. 2007, when we came to visit. God works in strange ways. Esther was like a second Mom to me and I enjoyed doing her hair for her for so many years. But most of all I had the pleasure of singing and playing the spoons with her in Diebels for many years. I just spoke with her on the phone and we remembered different things from those 'good ole days'. We talked of getting together the next time we came down and I promised her I would take her out to dinner again like we did while we were there in Nov. There will be singing in Heaven and Esther will once again lead the songs playing her accordion. Esther brought joy to so many and we will all miss her. God has her now. We will sing together again some day. My thoughts are with all of those who will miss her as I will. WE ALL LOVED YOU ESTHER, Claudia
John W Minton, Jr.
February 24, 2008
To the family,
When Nancy's mother died in 1971, Ester took over and at times was overtaken. All of us went to Deibel's to share the fun, the love and the grief of losing a loved one. Ester gave us a chance to heal and move on.
John W. Minton, Jr.
St. Louis, MO.
Dick Marshall
February 24, 2008
She was an icon in the Southend of Columbus
May she rest in peace.
The Southend of Columbus
Glenn Santella
February 24, 2008
Carol, Marshall, Lana and families, I send this note from my heart and soul to express my deepest sympathies to all of you of the passing of Esther. She was an inspiration to me and was like a second "mom" to me. I enjoyed my years of experiences and travel with Esther in Washington, San Diego, Mexico and at Deibles's in Columbus. I will always remember Esther as her spirit will always live on within me and I am sure with everyone that was blessed by her love, friendship and entertainment to us all. She will be sadly missed by all and my prayers are with you and Esther.
Paul Wieclaw
February 24, 2008
My condolences to the family,it was a honor and a pleasure to get to know Esther i'll never forget her.
Glen Wilson and Arnett Howard
Arnett Howard
February 24, 2008
Esther's voice will ring in my ears for all my life. I subbed for her at Deibel's Restaurant late in January, 1986 and ended up at the place for five and a half years. Whenever she would be in the audience, it was like I was entertaining for the Queen, and she was the queen of Columbus entertainment.
She showed me the photo of her World War Two experience; at age twenty-one, in 1942, she was the only woman on a troop ship of five thousand men, heading to Italy. She pointed herself out and her accordion was nearly as large as her.
The next time I do a New Orleans Second Line parade, it will be for you, Esther. On behalf of all of the entertainers in Central Ohio, especially your long-time partner in crime, Glen Wilson, we love you and will continue to talk about the good old days at Deibel's.
Bright moments from your boy,
Betsie Akins-Coppola
February 23, 2008
Wow, what a loss. Esther in and of herself was such a wonderful person. I loved going to see her perform and I loved one of her kids as a dear friend for a few years, as a member of the fun family. To Lana and the rest of your family-My sincerest sympathies and many prayers.
richard wiener
February 23, 2008
Dear family, i had the pleasure to fill in at deibels for esther a few times over the yrs. but esther was the greatest, i still use her "sing a long" sheet songs at some of my accordion jobs at nursing homes...god bless, fellow accordionist of 59 yrs.
Gloria Howard Wilson
February 23, 2008
Dear Carol,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I always felt she was like a second mother to me when we were growing up. At my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary party, she visited awhile and my parents were so happy to see her. Then she sent one of my cousins out to her car, to carry in her accordion. She played and everyone danced. She was the highlight of the party and my parents asked if we would throw them a 51st anniversary party the next year so they could do it all again! She will be missed so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patty Landis
February 22, 2008
Dear Carol, Mike, Marshall, Lana and families, How sad I was to see the news about your mom's death. Funny how Dan and I were thinking of her just 2 weeks ago and wondering how she might still be getting along. I'm so glad she was in Florida with you in her final years. I think perhaps she and mom are singing and talking it up together again and that makes me smile - I hope it will do the same for you. You'll be in our prayers over the weeks to come. Love, Patty (Slawson) and Dan Landis
Shirley Green
February 22, 2008
My sincere condolences to Esther's family.
I am so sorry I didn't get to see Esther last fall--she never phoned back about her schedule so we didn't get a chance to share our laughs by the hour, that we enjoyed so much.
We were good and close friends and my famiy and I will miss her. I am writing a book and Esther will be featured in the section of the most interesting people I have ever met. I have the taped interview I did of Esther when I was helping wth a chapter in a published book of women's war exceriences, if anyone is interested.
Shirley Green
Tom Downey
February 22, 2008
My heart goes out to you and your family. All of us were truly blessed to have Esther in our lives. Every year as a child I had my birthday party at Diebels to see Esther play and sing, I will always have fond memories of those birthdays and how special she really made them! She will surely be missed and we were all blessed to have her with us!
Doug Stewart
February 22, 2008
I worked at Deibel's when Esther was the main attraction. She was a wonderful person to know over the years - always smiling and happy when I'd run into her from time to time. What a great time we all had back then thanks to Esther!
Maribeth Watson
February 22, 2008
Dear Family, Your mom was a wonderful lady. I first met her at Windermere School where I was Marshal's first grade teacher. Over the years my husband and I saw her at events and restaurants. She always had a smile for us and she loved to share news of her family. She will be missed. Blessing to all of you.
Thanks for the memories Esther! (mom)
February 22, 2008
Tim York
February 21, 2008
I met Esther Craw during the old days at Diebel's in German Village in the 1970s. I, Tim York, and my partner, Michael Hawthorne also had a poplular local act called T&M Express. I remember Esther so warmly. We often would perform in the beer garden while she entertained guests upfront at Diebel's. Also, we played numerous venues around town, crossing paths with her. Often we would talk shop, musician to musician, or just hang out 'backstage' before performing for our audiences. I send my condolences to Esther's family. She was a sweet person who brought lots of fun and entertainment to many.
Tim York
Arlington, TX
nancee minton
February 21, 2008
Esther was my other mom-she took over when my mom died in 1971-whenever I needed a safe haven from a crazy world-esther opened her door. Lana, her youngest daughter, is my best friend and she has spent countless hours taking care of her mom and making sure that her life in Florida was a good one. I can only imagine the parade of friends, relatives, and fans that will come from all over to wish the Craw family their deepest sadness and best wishes. What a party that will be and I'm sure that Esther would like nothing less!!!!!
Mary (Turner) Stoots
February 21, 2008
Esther will be greatly missed, as she has touched so many with her talent, kindness, and the ability to hold a crowd in the palm of her hand. She got me in front of a microphone when I was 22 years old to sing "Bill Bailey", and I have looked forward to singing with her ever since! That was 34 years ago, and I'm still singing. The last time I visited her in Florida, we entertained everybody at the assisted living facility for lunch, and it was an honor to be accompanied by such a good friend and talented lady. Lana and Carol came to watch, and it was a ball! Esther is one of a kind, and I'll never know another like her. I'm thankful for all the memories. We would regularly leave Deibles after closing and go play at private parties, often with Glen and his bass in tow. We would sing until the wee hours! I often wondered if she ever slept! I know she is in heaven right now entertaining the angels with her music, and stamping her foot to the beat. What a personality! I will always miss her.
Carolyn & Dick Durphy
February 21, 2008
To Lana, Carol & Marshal and Your Families.
So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. We only had the opportunity to meet her once. That was at your Uncle Howard and Aunt Elma's 40th wedding anniversary in December of 1975. (Carolyn is their oldest daughter) I know that you and your folks came to visit them when you were young. Dick and I were married and living out of the area at the time.
Our love and prayers are with you at this time.
Lori Anderson (Watson)
February 21, 2008
Just the other day a co-worker and I were talking about the "good old days" and Esther's name came up. I'm sure her name comes up often in that context. I have so many fond memories of my childhood and hanging out with Lana and Marshall. Esther was always the "cool mom" who would let us kids tear the house apart. Then, as an adult, I spent many an hour at Deibel's "passing the lei." And, before I got married, I was serenaded to Esther's rendition of "Lori's getting married in the morning..." I was always touched and amazed that she remembered me, when her list of fans and friends was longer than I can even imagine. She will be truly missed.
gretchen nicol
February 21, 2008
Thank you for the fond memories in my life... You were truly one of a kind.. and will be missed.
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