Obituary of Esther Lucille Leaf

Esther L. Leaf Newton Esther L. Leaf, passed away peacefully at her home in Park Centre on March 7, 2014, at the age of 101 years. Esther was born and grew up on a farm near Livermore, Iowa, the youngest of four children. After graduating from high school in 1930, she moved to Fort Dodge where she met her late husband Arthur Leaf. After their marriage in 1934, the couple lived in Fort Dodge and later on a farm in Lehigh. Following her husband's death in 1955, she moved to Storm Lake where she worked in a doctor's office until moving to Newton in 1967. Esther was employed at the Newton Public Library for a number of years before retiring. Esther enjoyed her family, reading, visiting with friends and writing letters. Respecting her wishes, no funeral will be held. A private family memorial gathering will occur at a later date. Esther is survived by a daughter Karen and her husband Julian Silverberg of Newton; a son Norman Leaf of St. Charles, MO; two grandchildren: Jean Silverberg (Ron Thums) of Minneapolis, MN and Mark (Ellen) Silverberg of Farmington Hills, MI; and one great-grandchild Eric Silverberg of Farmington Hills. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one sister; two brothers; and a daughter-in-law Linda Leaf. The family requests any memorials contributions be made to the Newton Public Library, to be used for children's books or programs.