Esther Dunham

Esther Mae Dunham, 94, of Vermontville, died Monday, October 24, 2022, in Grand Rapids. Esther lived a full life dedicated to the love and care of both her family and her community. Her “Jill of all Trades” nature ingrained her as an important part of many organizations and causes throughout the region. Esther was born on September 4, 1928, in Northville, MI, the daughter of George Washington and Mary Pauline (Osborne) Stanford. She graduated from Northville High School before marrying the love of her life, Frank Dunham. Upon Frank’s return from World War II, the two purchased a herd of dairy cows and moved to Vermontville, where they would raise their five children. As the children grew, Esther took on many careers throughout her life. After milking cows in the early morning, she would go into service as a nurse’s aide at the hospital, and years later put on the latest fashions and go to work at Knapp’s department store. Soon after, she earned her real estate license and started a new venture. Her longest career was as clerk at the 56 District Court in Eaton County, which lead her to retirement. All along the way, she was active in her children’s lives, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother and 4H Leader. She sung in the choir at Vermontville Congregational Church and served as Secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Ledge. She was an avid reader, and loved bowling and golfing, which she did into her 80s. She used her talents around the house, maintaining a meticulous garden and sewing wedding dresses for her children’s weddings. She even served as Township Assessor for Vermontville Township and volunteered countless hours for the American Lung Association and Eaton County Agricultural Society. Esther was a lifelong learner, and her impression was felt far and wide. Her talents and love for all will be missed and cherished by her community and her family.
Esther is survived by her children, Frank “Skip” (Susan) Dunham, Deborah Granger, Michael Dunham, John (Rita) Dunham and Richard (Lesley) Dunham; 16 grandchildren, Frank (Brenda) Dunham II, Joseph Dunham, James Dunham, Christopher (Samantha) Dunham, Katie (Steve) Miller, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Granger, Karla Lilly (William Conroy), Lynda (Brandon) Baker, Michael Dunham, Tim (Yamilet) Dunham, Tony (Danielle) Dunham, Danielle Vallejo, Jonathan (Kristi) Dunham, Rebecca (Alex) Casto, Meghann (Charlie) Jarvis, and Richard Dunham; 22 great-grandchildren, Macey, Oliver, Caspar, Theodore and Stanford Dunham, Kevin and Brooke Miller, Kyle Lilly and Kayla Bruce, Eleanor Baker, Breauna Grover, Timmy, Ethan, Philip, Oliver, David, Michael, Elaine, Anthony TJ, and George Dunham, and Harper and Cora Jarvis; sister, Janice Hamer; brother, Tommy Stanford; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Dunham; son-in-law, Ron Granger; and sisters, Juanita Vradenburg, Jean Sawin, and Helen Pollick.
Friends are encouraged to support Esther’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will take place at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be just prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton County 4H Agricultural Society and the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Esther’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.