Obituary, Visitation & Funeral Information

Esther Clara (Swyter) Colaner Houk, age 95, of Xenia, went home to be with her precious Lord Jesus on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. She was the daughter of immigrant parents, Rev. Hilko Swyter from Germany and Clara A. (Mateikat) Swyter from Lithuania. She was born in Canton, Ohio on April 2, 1925. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband Robert P. Colaner in 1977, second husband Rev. C. Edwin Houk in 2008, infant son Daniel Colaner in 1955, daughter Cynthia Colaner Noffsinger on Oct. 19, 2017, and sisters Ruth Boyer and Hilda Basler.

Esther is survived by her son Robert L. Colaner (Barbara) of Xenia, and stepchildren David Houk (Mickey), Beth Young (Ted), Meg Houk, and Don Houk (Cindy).

She is also survived by her grandchildren Nathan Colaner, Seth Colaner (Colleen), Anna Colaner Dixon (Royce), John Noffsinger, and Sasha Noffsinger; great-grandchildren Brady, Brock, Quinn, Elle, Esther “Essie”, Camille, William, and Clara; and by many dear nieces and nephews.

Esther was always kind, gracious, pleasant, and generous. She taught herself to play the piano at an early age, playing in various roles in churches throughout her life, and instilled a love of music in her son. She was a graduate of Canton Timken High School and worked as a professional secretary prior to starting her family. She worked heartily alongside her first husband Bob, a civic leader, and alongside her second husband Ed in many interim pastorates.

Conner & Koch Life Celebration Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A graveside service at North Lawn Cemetery in Canton will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Legacy Christian Academy Worship and Arts Center Fund (1101 Wesley Ave, Xenia, Ohio 45385 or online https://www.legacyknights.org/support-lca/spec_proj_partner.cfm.). Esther enjoyed many musical programs in this auditorium, located on the same campus as her home.

You are welcome to send a condolence to the family and share a story or picture about Esther at www.ConnerAndKoch.com.

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