Dates
Esther Marie Douthit. Age 92 passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024 at her home in San Angelo, Texas under the loving care of her family and Hospice of San Angelo.
Esther was born on May 15, 1932 in Parma, Michigan to parents Oren William and Marie Rose (McGill) Bilaski. She was the oldest of six children. She went on to marry Dennis Douthit (55 years) and have 5 children, which they raised on their own family farm near Concord, Michigan. It was important to Esther to raise her children in the Catholic faith, and she eventually became the church organist. Esther was always a learner, a teacher and a planner. She modeled community service, creativity, independence, ingenuity, entrepreneurship and most of all, generosity, perseverance and love. In Lakeland Florida, Esther volunteered at the local college as a tutor for a special needs student. She worked with him for years until she saw him graduate with a degree. In San Angelo, she supported and/or volunteered at several local non-profits including Friends of the Library, The West Texas Boys Ranch, The San Angelo State Park, The San Angelo Symphony and Fort Concho National Historic Landmark. Esther loved to read! During regular visits to the library and annual book sales, she brought home books by the dozen, only to return a few weeks later for more. Esther had a gift for bringing joy to others even as she battled cancer for many years, always choosing to look at the bright side and lifting people up through her strong faith and infectious smile. Those who knew her will know their lives were touched by an angel!
She is survived by her 5 children; sons Dale Dennis and Timothy Oren (Robynn) Douthit of Florida; daughters Julia Ann, Mary Ellen and Dorothy Jean Douthit of San Angelo, Texas; grandchildren Stacy Marie (Sean) McKellip of Michigan, Taylor Gene, Devon Daniel and Hayley Marie Douthit of Florida; great grandson Dillon Marcus McKellip of Michigan; sisters Phyllis Hodges and Margaret Rogers; brother Michael Bilaski all of Jackson, Michigan and family friend Lisa Truesdell of San Angelo, Texas.
Esther is predeceased by her husband Dennis Daniel Douthit (October 1, 2009); grandchildren Jesse Dean Sanders and Daniel Michael Cherry of Michigan; sisters Joanie Ozanich (Carl) and Janet Noon (George) of Michigan.
A memorial service will be held at a later date to be determined.
The family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr. Raj Cheruku and his staff at the Shannon Cancer Center and to Dr. Erica Rabe and her staff at Shannon Clinic for their wonderful, compassionate care.
Those wishing to honor Esther may consider making a donation to one of her favorite charities: The West Texas Boys Ranch Foundation, P.O. Box 4077 San Angelo, Tx. 76904-4077. www.wtbr.org
Family and friends can share online condolences at www.harper-funeralhome.com.