Esther L. Parm Raven

Esther L. Parm Raven, 86, of Buchanan, Michigan born was September 14, 1924 passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday evening, February 17, 2011 at West Woods of Niles Nursing Center. She was born September 14, 1924 in Buchanan, Michigan to Orvil and Marie (Gallinger) Starr, the second of four children. Her sister, Eleanor Everman and brother Glenn Starr preceeded her in death as did her parents. Her surviving sister is Caroline (Al) Sisco of Niles, Michigan. She has several nieces and nephews. In 1953 Esther married David J. Parm and together they raised two children, Cynthia Benson and Kenneth (LeeAnn) Parm who survive. David passed into the arms of Jesus in 1977. Her living grandchildren are Christine (Justin) Hogue, Michael (Amy) Benson, Andrea Jones and Aaron (Missy) Parm. Her grandson, Thomas Benson, preceeded her in death in 2003. She has five great-grandchildren including Julien Novak, Daniel, Dylan and Kaitlyn Salinas and Lucas Parm. In 1985, Esther married Leigh Raven and enjoyed a few years of Florida winters, card-playing, church activities and year-round fishing with him before he passed away in 1992. She has three step-children from that union, John (Colleen) Raven, Fran (Lee) Ayers and Vicki (Mike) Kitchell as well as several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. Following graduation from Buchanan High School in 1942, Esther worked for the telephone company before taking a position with Clark Equipment Company, working in the data entry department and eventually in accounts. She worked there until the birth of her children, then was a stay-at-home mom who cooked, canned, gardened, worked with the PTA, served as a room mother, was a band booster and at Buchanan Christian Church served as a Sunday School teacher, deaconess and in the kitchen for church dinners. Esther was well known for her baking skills. Following the death of her husband, David, she returned to work at Clarks, retired from there and then worked at Pawating Hospital in Niles, Michigan until she married Leigh in 1985. Mom will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She requested that memorials be made to Buchanan Christian Church or the charity of your choice. Her family would especially like to thank her wonderful nurses, doctors and caregivers at West Woods of Niles for their loving, compassionate care. Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday the 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Swem Chapel where friends may call two hour prior to the service.Those wishing to sign her guest book may do so by going to www.swemchapel.com