Esther E. Barton, 91

Esther Eileen (Howell) Barton, 91, wife of the late James Barton, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, April 11, 2025, at her home in Douglassville.

Born in Red Key, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Mabel (Richardson) Howell.

Esther started the Pottstown Chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) and was an integral part of the organization for 52 years. She was awarded Queen of the State of Pennsylvania for losing the most weight. Esther treasured her friends from the decades of TOPS participation over the years. In her younger years, Esther enjoyed bowling and playing cards with her husband and friends; especially pinocle and Shanghai Rum. She was also very active at Coventry Hills Church of Christ for many years.

Surviving are her children Virginia Thomas, wife of the late Richard; Robert R. Barton, husband of Naomi; Lora L. Davidheiser, wife of Timothy; Carol Nowery, wife of Douglas; and Darrell W. Barton, husband of Jill; 17 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren. Esther was the last survivor of 8 siblings. She is also predeceased by her son Jimmy Barton.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 11:00AM at Coventry Hills Church of Christ (1339 S Hanover St, Pottstown, PA 19465) with Thomas Wise officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park. A viewing will also be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 9:00AM-10:45AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/) in Esther’s name.

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What a wonderful aunt, & sister to my Dad - they were SO close, & neither wanted to outlive the other. She recently told me how much she missed talking to him, since his death last May. Aunt Esther was a fine example of a Christian lady. She will sure be missed, but I'm keeping in mind this verse in Psalms: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints".

~ Belinda Myers Portland, in
4/16/2025 5:23:18 AM

Sorry for your loss. Esther was a wonderful woman. I enjoyed listening to the stories that she would tell me about her life. Tops was important to her . She will be missed.

~ Carlene Yerger
4/15/2025 12:17:02 PM

Esther was a kind and loving friend. She will truly be missed.

~ Helen Christman Pottstown, Pa
4/15/2025 6:27:46 AM

Esther was a kind wonderful lady and a true friend of mine. I am in the TOPS organization where Esther was a wonderful friend and a true example to show how to lose weight. She will be greatly missed.

~ Marie Yonkovitch Pottstown, PA
4/14/2025 10:20:16 PM

What a beautiful obituary! Esther was a lovely woman, and I always enjoyed talking to her at TOPS. I will miss her lots!

~ Carlene Kessler Frederick, PA
4/14/2025 4:28:16 PM

So sorry for your loss. Esther was a kind and wonderful woman. She will be missed by us at tops.

~ Debra Cooper
4/14/2025 4:01:40 PM