Esther C. Smith

Esther C. Smith, 97, of Lititz, PA, formerly of New Holland, PA, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Born in Sullivan Township, PA, she was the daughter of the late Earl Dean Tice and Florence Ella Tice (Sherman). Esther grew up on a farm in Tioga County, PA, the eldest of nine children. She graduated from Mansfield High School. Esther met her late husband, Charles A. Smith at a birthday party, soon after Charles returned from WWII. Charles and Esther married in 1946 and were happily married for 72 years until Charles’ passing. Early in life, Esther and Charles lived in the Finger Lakes region of New York State until they relocated to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. They raised their children in New Holland and remained there for most of their married life. Esther worked as a payroll clerk for Frank Ix and Son’s, until her retirement. During her free time, Esther enjoyed painting beautiful landscapes, crafting, sewing, bicycling, square dancing, camping, sailing, flying small aircraft, and most importantly, spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her son, Bruce C. Smith of Conestoga, her daughter, Cheryl Staherski (Rick), of Lancaster; her seven grandchildren, Alex, Cathy, Tony, Katrina, Erica, Laura, and Drew; her nine great-grandchildren; her brothers Richard Tice, Frank Tice, Harold Tice and Jim Tice; her sisters, Lucile Packard, Mary Harvey, and Marjorie Crandle. Esther was preceded in death by her, daughter, Barbara Grandstaff, and her brother, Gordon Tice. A Funeral Service will be held at Landis Homes, West Bethany Chapel, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz, PA 17543, on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Friends are welcome to greet the family starting 8:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Aspen House where she lived for the last two years of her life. They became like family to Esther. Also, the family would like to thank Hospice & Community Care and the staff of Manheim House, Landis Homes, who kept Esther comfortable at the end of her life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice & Community Care and the Benevolent Fund at Landis Homes.