Esther Mary White

RUMFORD – On Sept. 23, 2023, in the late afternoon, Esther Mary (Thomas) White passed away to rest in Jesus at the Rumford Community Home after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Her loving husband, Lyle “Bob” White, of 62 years was by her side. 

Esther was born April 17, 1942 in Babylon, N.Y. to Everett Thomas and Esther Taylor Thomas. She spent much of her childhood moving between New York State and Maine before finally settling in the Dixfield area for high school and where she would remain until her death.

Esther graduated from Dixfield High School (now Dirigo High School) with honors in 1960. She represented her class for Carnival Queen and the school at Girls State. In 1960 she joined the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, remaining an active, lifelong member.

Esther married Lyle “Bob” White on Aug. 20, 1961, whom she met while running for Carnival Queen. Together they had five children and in later years ran Century 21 Action Realty with Bob. She also ran Express Engraving for several years before selling to retire and enjoy her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Throughout her life Esther was always looking for ways to help the community from organizing community suppers to being a member of Literacy Volunteers to help people prepare for their GED exam to obtain a high school diploma. She had a thirst for knowledge and for a better understanding of human nature. She channeled this passion into seminars to help others understand themselves better and to extend that understanding to others.

Esther spent her last four years of life at the Rumford Community Home battling Alzheimer’s. The staff at RCH are to be commended for their excellent level of care and personal attention to the patients in their care. They go above and beyond the call of duty, making a difficult situation a little less difficult.

Esther is survived by her husband; son, David L. White and wife Tracie, son, James A. White and wife Kelly, daughter, Diane A. Christian and husband James, son, John H. White and wife Candy; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings; and son, Timothy.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Dixfield Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1 Blayne St., Dixfield. A gathering will immediately follow the service at the same location to celebrate Esther’s life. A graveside service at the Newman Cemetery in Carthage will be held at 1:30 p.m. the same day.