Esther J. Schaafsma, 97, of Martin, died Wednesday, June 16, at Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo.
Esther was born on Nov. 3, 1923, in Monterey Township, the seventh of nine children born to Garrit and Abbie (nee Koster) Lynema. On May 2, 1946, she married Lewis G. Schaafsma and shared 53 years together until his passing in 1999.
In 1944, at the age of twenty-one, she joined the membership of the Martin Reformed Church and was active in the church for the remainder of her life.
Esther worked in several positions in the food service industry during her life, spending the last 17 years at the Martin Public Schools and retired in 1985.
Surviving are her son, Greg Schaafsma; granddaughters: Amanda (Travis) Tilley and Rebecca (Cole) Jones; great granddaughters: Alivia and Bailey Tilley; sister: Betty (Lynema) Earle; brother-in-law: Ted Schaafsma; many nieces and nephews; a host of friends including: Tammy Maurer and Char DeMoore, who made sure that Esther and her home always looked great; and the teams from Hospice of Southwest Michigan and Kairos Dwelling.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, seven of her siblings and their spouses, and several nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Esther’s wishes, public services with take place at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 W. Allegan St, Martin, with visitation Friday, June 25, from 4. until 7 p.m. and a funeral Tuesday, June 29, with an hour of visiting starting at 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 with Pastor Mark Heijerman officiating. Esther will be laid to rest at East Martin Cemetery immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Martin Reformed Church Building Fund or Kairos Dwelling of Kalamazoo.