Lois “Esther” (Lehman) Gerig, age 90, of Lowell, MI, went home to be with Jesus July 19, 2022. Esther was born November 8, 1931, in Orville, OH. After growing up on the family farm, she attended Ft. Wayne Bible Institute where she earned a Bible Studies degree and found herself to be the “brown eyed girl” her co-collegian, Zenas Gerig, was looking for! They were married June 12, 1952. After Zenas received his MDiv degree from New York Theological Seminary, they were called to go to Jamaica as missionaries. They ministered there for 43 years, first by pastoring churches, then starting both a Bible College (JTS) and seminary (CGST) in Kingston, the capital. In those years Esther served Jesus faithfully, alongside Zenas, filling many roles: wife, mother of 3, church pianist, children’s ministry director, chalk artist, campus hostess, photographer, supplies purchaser, kitchen manager, landscaper, graduation gown seamstress, newsletter writer, women’s counselor, music teacher and (very strict) typing instructor. Tucked between these responsibilities were her hobbies of swimming, snorkeling, shell collecting, hiking, flower gardening, cats, dogs, fish and running her own “budgie” (parakeet) business. Esther was preceded in death by her dear husband of 59 years, Zenas, in 2011; sisters, Eunice Weber, and Dorcas Sutherland; and grandson, Andrew Gerig. She is survived by her children, Stephen Jay (Roxanne) Gerig of Houston, TX, Laurel Faye (Mervin) Charles of Millersville, PA, and Stanley Ray (Cindy) Gerig, (Esther, the reason for the rhyming), 11 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 23, 11:00 am, with visitation starting at 9:30 am at Evergreen Missionary Church, 10501 Settlewood Dr. SE, Lowell, MI, Pastor Doug Connelly officiating. Interment Oakwood Cemetery, Lowell. Memorial contributions may be given through Evergreen Church for the schools in Jamaica.
Zenas and Esther’s gravestone, designed by Esther, says: “Not here, alive with Christ!” It’s true!
Jesus never breaks a promise!
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We rejoice in Esther’s homecoming with the Lord; we praise God for her life of service to her Savior, to her family, and to many others. We grieve with and pray with and for her family during these upcoming days. To God be the glory!
What an amazing legacy Esther’s life of service to her Lord has left! May God comfort the hearts of her family, who grieve their loss of this wonderful mother and grandmother.