Esther J. Schwartz, 87, New Bremen, died at 10:16 a.m. May 18, 2012, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

She was born May 14, 1925, near Coldwater, to George and Rose Homan Dues. On June 26, 1948, she married Leo H. Schwartz, who died May 9, 2010.

Survivors are six children, Edwin (Marilyn) Schwartz, New Bremen, Nicholas (Brenda) Schwartz, Yorkshire, and Ronald (Edith) Schwartz, Patricia (Ken) Bruns, Donna (John) Kremer and John (Connie) Schwartz, all of New Bremen; a sister, Wilma Heitkamp, Coldwater; a sister-in-law, Mildred Dues, Coldwater; 19 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are five brothers, Clem, Raymond, Norbert, Lawrence and Cletus Dues; and three sisters, Veronica Heitkamp, Anna Lochtelfeld and Rita Schwartz.

She was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, New Bremen, and its St. Ann Altar Sodality. She volunteered at the church, was a homemaker and helped on the family farm.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial is at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling is 3-8 p.m. Monday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 9:30-10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, when a rosary will be prayed.

Contributions may be made to State of the Heart Hospice of Coldwater.

Condolences may be offered at gilberghartwigfh.com.