Esther E. Way

Esther E. Way, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2026, at the age of 100, surrounded by her family. Born in East Greenville, PA, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Lydia (Schmidt) Miller and the wife of the late Donald G. Way, Sr., with whom she shared a marriage until his passing in 1998. Esther’s spirit and kindness touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A graduate of East Greenville High School, Esther began her career as a sewing machine operator at Daut Manufacturing in Red Hill. After dedicating ten years to the sewing profession, Esther joined the product development department at Wampler-Longacre Inc. in Franconia, advancing her career, and continued to work for 18 years until her retirement in 1989.

Esther was a member of the former Ebenezer E.C. Church in Red Hill and later affiliated herself with Tabor United Methodist Church in Woxall. In her earlier years, she took great joy in being a den mother and enjoyed participating in activities at the senior center. She was an avid reader and loved reading the Town and Country. Esther took classes and became an accomplished oil painter. She is fondly remembered by her grandchildren for their fishing trips to local creeks and their County Park adventures.

Esther found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. She loved being in nature, whether it was taking long walks, enjoying family picnics, tending to her flower gardens, or watching the birds and deer in her backyard. Her love for animals was evident, and she treated every creature with gentle kindness.

Esther was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, particularly the staff and residents at the Quakertown Center, where her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression.

Esther is survived by her daughter, Patricia McFarland; son, Donald G. Way, Jr.; grandchildren, Walter Scherzer and wife Kristin, Jeffrey Scherzer and partner Jules, Kathleen “Katie” Houk, Christopher McFarland and wife Holli, Justin Way, and Jared Way and wife Zilika; great-grandchildren, Troy, Tyler, and Shawn Scherzer, Sloane Way, and Michael Thomas McFarland; step-grandchildren, Kyle Newman and Jessica Frantz, wife of Andrew; step-great-great granddaughter, Mabel Frantz; son-in-law, Alfred Scherzer; and sister-in-law, Mary Friele. She is predeceased by her daughter, Diana “Dee” Scherzer; and siblings, Grace Billger, Ruth Mariss, Faith Schuster, Charles Miller, and Russell Miller.

A viewing will be held from 2:30 to 3:45 PM with a service to follow at 4 PM on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Mann-Slonaker Funeral Home, 222 Washington St., East Greenville, PA 18041. A reception will follow the service. There will be a private family burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.