Esther Shea

Colby – Funeral services for Esther Shea, 86, Lawrence, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Colby Wesleyan Church in Colby. A celebration of her life will be at 1 p.m., preceding the service.Mrs. Shea died Thursday, Nov. 1, 2007.She was born Feb. 17, 1921.Mrs. Shea was a homemaker who made much of her family’s clothing. She enjoyed crafts, cooking and working in the garden. She was known for her sense of humor. Mrs. Shea also enjoyed visits with her family and caring for her grandchildren. She was a member of Lawrence Wesleyan Church.She married James S. Townsend in 1937. He preceded her in death. In 1961, she married Hamilton Shea, who also preceded her in death.Also preceding her in death were her eldest daughter, Jenny, and three sons, Clifford Townsend, Oscar Townsend and Michael Shea, and three brothers.Survivors include a daughter, Ruth Townsend, Lawrence; two sons, Wilbert Townsend, McLouth, and James Townsend, Medford, Ore.; a sister, Helen Ruhs, Burlington, Colo.; two brothers, Henry Schulz, Winfield, and Johnny Schulz, Oak Harbor, Wash.; 14 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.Family and friends may leave condolence messages at www.forevercemeteries.com.