Esther Louise (Pritchard) Minzey was born on July 16, 1930, in Medina, Ohio, the third of seven children, to Dorothy Henrietta (Crandall) Pritchard and Ralph Tish Pritchard. She attended elementary school in York, Ohio and later attended school in Medina, Ohio where she graduated from high school in 1948. She was very active in high school as Y-Team President, student council, and class secretary-treasurer. She was an excellent student and athlete, participating in basketball and softball, and she received the Girl's Athletic Award in her senior year for her scholastic and athletic achievements. She worked after graduation as a librarian in Medina and also held positions as clerk, cashier and secretary. She then enrolled at Kent State University where she graduated in 1953 with a BA degree and a teaching certificate. She later continued her education with classes from the University of Michigan and a Masters of Arts Degree in Teacher Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1974.

Esther started her teaching career in Milford, Michigan as a first-grade teacher, and it was there that she met her future husband, Jack Minzey. They were married on April 10, 1954. In the following years, Esther gave birth to four children: David Lee (Debra Young), Daniel John (Barb Knudson), Debra Lynn (Rob Papineau), and John Jay (Anna Krause). This union led to eleven grandchildren: Michael, Megan, Caitlin, Christina, Stephanie, Samantha, Jeffrey, Dorothy, Robby, John and Nicole.

Esther taught for one year in Milford and substitute taught to support her husband's return to school for his doctoral degree. She was a successful teacher with excellent evaluations, but she opted for the career of wife, mother, and homemaker. As such, she was involved in many activities which included nursery attendant, PTA and Den Mother. Jack's career was to take them as residents to six different communities, and each time Esther provided the comfort of a warm and caring home for her family. Her role as the main physical and emotional support for her husband and children had a lasting positive impact on all of their lives and was instrumental in the happiness and success of each of them.

Esther has always had involvement in her community. She was a member of the Christian Church in Medina, and the Presbyterian Churches in Milford, Flint and Ypsilanti. She served her church as usher, greeter, nursery attendant, and volunteer. She also served as a deacon for several years and was an Elder with the responsibility of Clerk of Session.

She was always active in her community, having been involved in card and dance groups, Eastern Michigan University Wives Association (vice-president, secretary, treasurer, program chairman), EMU Antique Group (program chairman), Ypsilanti Historical Museum (docent), and EMU Bowling Group (president, secretary, treasurer). She was a member of the alumni associations of Kent State and Eastern Michigan University. She also belonged to the Washtenaw Country Club and the Ypsilanti Museum. She was an active member in the Ladies Literary Club, the Gilbert Auxiliary, and the PEO (secretary, treasurer, program chairman, guard).

Esther had an abiding interest in reading and athletics. She was a loyal fan of the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Pistons. She was a generous financial giver to Eastern Michigan University and a constant attendee at most Eastern Michigan University sports and held season tickets in football, men's basketball, women's basketball and volleyball. For many years, she had seats in the Eastern Michigan University press box. She also served as a member of the Baseball Dugout Club. She was also equally involved in the cultural and social events at Eastern.

Esther will be remembered for her warm, caring disposition and the kindness which she showed to others. She was a gentle, gracious, well-educated lady who worshipped her family and served them as an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother.

A funeral service will be held 11 am Monday, August 17, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti. Rev. Keith Geiselman will officiate. Gathering to begin at 10 am. Esther will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.