Esther L. Ditmer Richards, 82, formerly of Tipp City, died Feb. 15, 2007, at Otterbein St. Marys Retirement Community, St. Marys.

She was born Sept. 9, 1924, in Piqua, to Howard H. and Lucile Ball Bridgman. On Feb. 8, 1947, she married C. Arthur Ditmer, who died in 1960. In 1991, she married Robert Richards, who died in 2002.

Surviving are three daughters, Nancy Ditmer, Wooster, Jean (Darryl) Smith, St. Marys, and Judy Ditmer, Piqua; a brother, Richard H. (Carol) Bridgman, Centerville; and two grandchildren.

Deceased are a brother, Walter Bridgman, and a sister, Martha Bridgman Stone.

She was an elementary school teacher at Tipp City Exempted Village and Vandalia-Butler City Schools for 27 years. She attended Albion College, in Michigan, and received bachelor's and master's degrees of education from the University of Dayton and Wright State University. She was a member of Wayne Street United Methodist Church, St. Marys, and volunteer coordinator with Miami FISH organization.

Services are 1 p.m. Thursday at Meyer Chapel at Otterbein, St. Marys, the Rev. David Bridgman officiating. Burial is at Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.

Calling is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, and noon-1 p.m. Thursday at the chapel.

Contributions can be made to American Parkinson Disease Association.