In loving memory of Esther Gammenthaler - Obituary Baldwin Brothers

Obituary

Esther Mae White Gammenthaler was born in Glen Alpine, North Carolina May 1, 1923. After a very productive and unselfish life of 96 years, she passed away in Mount Dora, Florida August 15, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Charles Arnold Gammenthaler and by her youngest son, Robert Allen Gammenthaler (Pamela) October 24, 2017.

She is survived by immediate family members daughter Janice Elaine Gammenthaler Deaton (Ralph B.” Benny”) of Murphy, North Carolina; son Sammy A. Gammenthaler, MD (Loretha) of Tangerine, Florida; daughter-in-law Pamela Davis Gammenthaler, of Collegedale, Tennessee; grandsons: Robert Allen Gammenthaler II (Lindsay) of Danville, California; Charles Mitchell Gammenthaler (Lucy) of Spring, Texas; Scott Davis Gammenthaler (Lisa) of Owensboro, Kentucky; Douglas John Gammenthaler, DDS (Macey) of Gentry, Arkansas and six Gammenthaler grandchildren: Ellie Jane, Redmond Scott, Collin Tripp , Charlee Sue, Robert Austin and Margaret Ann, as well as grandchildren Kimberly Ann Deaton, Murphy, North Carolina; Kevin Forest Deaton (Lucy), Warsaw, Kentucky; and Kimberly Miller (Rodney) Ocoee, Florida.

Esther grew up in Glen Alpine, North Carolina, where she graduated from high school in 1940, before attending Lee’s McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Just after she transferred to Cecil’s Business College in Asheville, World War II was underway and the government was asking for help. She, a sister, and several girlfriends set off for Arlington, Virginia, where a job in Washington with the Signal Corps awaited them. The girls were a great support for the war effort: working for the government and shopping for clothes during the week and dating GI’s on the weekends!

After working in Washington for two years, the girls first came home to Glen Alpine. Later, Esther’s twice-widowed father moved to Winter Park, Florida, so she followed.

While working at the Orlando air base, Esther met Charles Arnold Gammenthaler, one handsome Texan. The two were married in Longwood, Florida, June 2, 1946. (Twenty-five years later, Esther comfortably wore her wedding dress at the celebration, as she did for the couple’s 50^th celebration held in the community park in Harper, Texas, their 1946 wedding reception site.)

Charles “Buster” and Esther first lived on the Gammenthaler ranch in Harper, Texas, then later in nearby Kerville. During her years on the ranch, Esther had observed her father-in-law studying the Bible and attending church on Saturday. A Presbyterian herself, she studied the Bible and read many books during the 12 years before joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kerville.

In later years, the family relocated to Orlando, Florida, where both “Gams” worked in the dietary department at Florida Hospital. The two were highly valued, reliable workers for more than 20 years. They usually worked the 0-dark thirty shift, then came home to sell garden vegetables Esther’s brother grew in Summerfield, Florida, sell Avon, make a few speculations in land and houses, work on building a house and supporting three kids in private school including college and one son in medical school. “Those years in Florida were good ones,” she recalled. “We worked hard, but the hospital was good to us and that work resulted in a good retirement, great healthcare coverage and many lifelong friends for ourselves and our children.” After retirement, the “Gams” enjoyed winters in Florida and summers in Murphy, North Carolina, where gardening, one of Esther’s most-loved hobbies, was a top priority. She also enjoyed sewing, crochet, cooking, visiting and travel with family.

When her husband’s health declined, Esther bravely cared for him. “I never got tired of caring for my husband because he always thanked me and told me he loved me,” she once said. Charles and Esther were members of the Murphy Seventh-day Adventist Church, then the Umatilla Seventh-day Adventist Church. In recent years, Esther has continued to treasure her Sabbaths there, where numerous, precious friends regularly provide support and encouragement. Several have faithfully transported her to church and to other events from her home at Bridgewater Assisted Living in Mount Dora, Florida. Son, Sam and his wife Loretha, who live nearby, provided invaluable family support and care.

Esther was known for treasuring her friends and family. Even when challenged by declining health, she was able to attend the weddings of each of her grandsons. She was the beautiful 92-year-old flower girl who received a standing ovation at the wedding of Robert and Lindsay Gammenthaler. She was so grateful to have lived to meet several of her great grandchildren. Just a few weeks ago, she was able to keep an important date with children, grandsons and their families at a special reunion just for her. Reminiscing, sharing and rocking babies was the highlight of the weekend.

Esther took immense pride in each member of her family. Of her grandsons and their wives, she told others often, “Each one is successful, kind and thoughtful—and there isn’t a lazy one in the bunch.” And her children and grandchildren think she is quite the special one—an amazing, much-loved mom and grandmother, Oma.

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The family expresses appreciation to Cornerstone Hospice of Lake County for compassionate care; to friends and staff at Bridgewater Assisted Living including the rehabilitation team of physical and occupational therapists for exceptionally kind, long-term support and friendship; to the AdventHealth Waterman staff including Dr. Kunamneni, Dr. Baskar, and Dr. Hansalia; to the Umatilla Seventh-day Adventist Church family for years of care and devotion—providing transportation, encouragement, shared joys, true friendship and love.

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Esther’s ardent desire to serve the Lord and others was reflected in her unfailing support for the Hilltop Food Pantry, sponsored by the Umatilla Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1400 N. Central Avenue, Umatilla, Florida 32784. Her family joins her sponsorship of this important community outreach.