Esther A. (Kell) Van Dyke

Esther A. (Kell) Van Dyke, 81, of Toronto, OH, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, April 25, 2021 surrounded by family.

Esther was born on June 7, 1939 in Steubenville, OH, to the late Matthew and Edna (Embleton) Kell, who immigrated from England 10 years prior in 1929.

Predominantly a homemaker and wife, Esther also managed to work 27 years as the secretary for the Stan Scott Evangelistic Association in Steubenville. Esther also served many years with the United Methodist Women, Steubenville District, East Ohio Conference. Spanning more than 16 years she served as treasurer and president. She offered her abilities to the Lord in service to her and her husband’s local church, Finley United Methodist in Steubenville, assisting on several boards. She also was actively involved in her daughter, Darlene’s singing ministry for many years. She volunteered with the Tri-State area Youth for Christ as a chaperon counselor for many events. Needless to say, she loved her Lord Jesus Christ, and her life reflected her desire to show others His love.

Esther enjoyed knitting, crafting, playing with her grandchildren, and in recent years loved spending time with her husband playing board games at the kitchen table.

In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her brothers, Douglas and Joe Kell, and by her twin brother, Matthew ‘Junior’ Kell.

Surviving is her husband Fred L. ‘Fritz’ Van Dyke, whom she married December 6, 1957; her son Fred M. (Margaret) Van Dyke of Venice, FL; her two daughters, Rebecca Van Dyke of Toronto, and Darlene (Bob) Van Dyke-Sofronski of Southampton, PA; her sister Nora Huggins of Wintersville, OH. She loved dearly her eight grandchildren, Heather (Chris) Smith, Craig (Kelly) Van Dyke, Stephanie (Kris) Coffman, Rikki Lyn (Jared) Pudvan, Ryan (Tiffany)Van Dyke, Tyler Van Dyke, Randalyn Sofronski, and Ryan Sofronski. Esther and her husband Fritz have been blessed with 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 4 to 7 PM at the J.E. Foster Funeral Home in Toronto. On Saturday, May 1, 2021 visitation will be held from 11 AM to 12 Noon. At this time, there will be a Celebration Service of Esther’s Life. Rev. Chuck Leasure will officiate. Following will be a luncheon at Finley United Methodist Church, Steubenville, OH. Entombment will be private at the Ft. Steuben Burial Estates in Wintersville, OH. www.jefosterfh.com