ROCHESTER, N.H. – Esther Kelley Colby, 85, of Dover, N.H., died Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Sunbridge Nursing Home, Rochester, N.H., after a period of failing health.

She was born on Sept. 22, 1922, in Fryeburg, the daughter of Charles and Emilie Iva (Flint) Kelley. Esther worked as a cashier at Gordon’s Market for many years. She loved birds, horse races and she loved to knit.

She is survived by her son, Wayne Colby and his wife, Barbara, of Dover; her two daughters, Emilie Parker and her husband, Russell, of Dover, and Eileen Ford of Rome, N.Y.; her seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, William Parker Colby; and her two brothers, Charles Roland Kelley and James Kelley.