Esther Elma Manual, 89, Enjoyed watching her grandson stock car race

She was born July 26, 1915, in Brownhelm Township where she was raised and graduated from Brownhelm High School in 1933. She lived outside of Brownhelm from 1937 to 1947 when she returned to Brownhelm where she resided the remainder of her life.

Esther worked for Lorain County schools in the video department for 10 years retiring in 1976. She was a member of Brownhelm Congregational United Church of Christ and belonged to the first ladies golf league at Willow Creek Golf Course. She participated in a bridge club and a homemaker bowling league in Amherst. Esther was involved with the 4-H Brownhelm Perfection Sewing and the Brownhelm Community Christmas. She enjoyed stock car racing, especially watching her grandson race.

Survivors include children: Sonja Kneisel of Brownhelm Twp., Ronald and Sue Mareff of Henrieffa Twp.; 5 grandchildren; one step grandchild; 11 great grandchildren; 4 step great grandchildren; 2 step great great-grandchildren; her sisters, Dorothy Northeim of Elyria and Florence Weeks of Ashtabula; her brother, Donald Baetz of Brownhelm.

She was preceded by her husband of 56 years: Warren Manuel in 1993; 1 step great-granddaughter; her brother: Harold Baetz; and her parents: Conrad and Mary (nee Holzhauser) Baetz.

Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Brownhelm Cemetery in Brownhelm, OH.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Brownhelm Congregational United Church of Christ; 2144 North Ridge Rd., Amherst 44001 or New Life Hospice Center; 5255 N. Abbe Rd., Elyria, 44035

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst, OH 44001.