Estella M. Huffman

Estella May Huffman, 93, of Bellefontaine, went to live with her Lord and to reunite with her loved ones who have gone on before her on Monday evening, December 11, 2023, at Logan Acres Care Center.

Estella was born on August 26, 1930, to the late Lowell and Eliza (Ingram) Detrick in Bradford, Ohio.  She was the eldest of six children and also, the eldest grandchild on both sides of her family.  She met her first love, Fay Huffman and they married on December 7, 1946, and he preceded her in death on May 6, 2003.  She was also preceded in death by daughters Nancy Jones and Kathryn Dearwester, son Kenneth Huffman, and sisters Shirley Shumway and Sharon Burr.

Estella is survived by children:  Kathleen (Charles) Kerns of Huntsville, Keith (Beth) Huffman of Bellefontaine, Linda (Greg) Shipley of West Liberty; son-in-law Paul Dearwester of Bellefontaine; daughter-in-law Marietta Huffman of Bellefontaine; 11 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Ruth Fogle Garvin of Bellefontaine and Rebecca Ferryman of Justin, Texas; a brother Wayne (Charlene) Detrick of West Mansfield; and numerous nieces & nephews.

In her early years, Estella attended the Church of Christ in East Liberty and accepted Christ and was baptized there.  After marrying Fay and moving to Bellefontaine, she decided to return to her parents’ heritage and went to the Church of the Brethren on South Detroit St.  Estella and Fay raised their family there.  She played the piano or organ for over 50 years, and served as church treasurer for 30 years.  Estella worked with the schools as much as she could, and was President of Western Elementary School PTA.

In the spring of 1952, Estella went to work as a dispatcher for Radio Cab at Dinovo’s Car Sales on Columbus Ave. in Bellefontaine.  In the fall of 1984, she started working for the City of Bellefontaine as a School Crossing Guard, until the Spring of 1998 when her health started to fail.  Estella was a member of “The Chatty Hatties” Red Hat Society Ladies that was started at the Bellefontaine YMCA.  She also loved sewing, knitting, and crocheting.  She crocheted baby blankets up to November 2022 for many friends and family members that were expecting little ones.  Estella loved spending time with her family, even if she wasn’t feeling well. She loved to attend church when she could, go out to lunch afterwards, and visiting with family – even if she had to sit in the car and they would come out of their house to visit with her.  Family reunions and visiting with cousins were also treasured by Estella.

Estella wanted everyone to know how much she appreciated her years at Logan Acres Care Center, the staff were all so caring and compassionate.  Special thanks to all of them and may God continue to bless that wonderful community.

Friends may call on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 5-7pm at Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine.  Donald Detrick will lead Estella’s funeral service on Friday, December 15, at 10am at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery.  In keeping with Estella’s wishes, casual attire is preferred. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

 *  Logan Acres Activity Fund, 2739 CR 91, Bellefontaine, OH 43311

 *  Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 624 TR 55, Bellefontaine, OH 43311

 *  Calvary Baptist Church, 1140 Rush Ave. Bellefontaine, OH 43311

 *  Goshen Friends Church, 5527 CR 153, Zanesfield, OH 43360

EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Huffman family.

Family authored obituary

EJT