Esther Kurtz Stoltzfus

Esther Kurtz Stoltzfus, 94 years of Elverson, died on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Reading Hospital, following an illness.

She was born in Berks County, Pa. on Sunday, May 31, 1931.  Esther was the daughter of the late Ira and Irene (Yoder) Kurtz. She was the wife of the late Pastor Merle G. Stoltzfus, who died on August 1, 2022.

Esther was a homemaker to her beloved family.  She was an important part of Merle’s ministry and church planting.  Esther enjoyed gardening, flowers and vegetables.  In her later years she pieced many quilts tops for charity.  Esther volunteered at  Reuzit.  She had a warm greeting and smile for everyone she met.   Her trust in God’s care for her was evident.

 Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Merle G. Stoltzfus, a daughter, Pearl Koenig, two brothers, Earl Kurtz and Lester Kurtz and a sister, Verna Kurtz .

Surviving family members include a son, Craig and his wife Linda Stoltzfus of Elverson and two daughters, Christine and her husband Jeff King of Farmville, VA and Rose and her husband Bob Tursack of Glenmoore.    There are 11 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 10 AM at Hopewell Christian Fellowship, 2286 Hopewell Road, Elverson, Pa.  19520, with Pastor Gary Buck and Pastor Bill Wright officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 to 8 PM at the Hopewell Christian Fellowship.   Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at the adjoining cemetery.

Arrangements by The Labs Funeral Home, Inc. of Honey Brook, Pa.  

For additional information and online condolences, please visit www.thelabsfh.com

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Craig, Christine and Rose, I wish I could attend this weekend but have prior engagements. I remember your mom as having a smile, cheerful, and asking me about my world. I enjoyed seeing her around! Sending love to you all, Bev

~ Bev Kreider Marietta, PA
4/16/2026 10:18:30 PM

Our condolences to the family. We are truly sorry for your loss. Mother was a true farmer. she loved her family and being outdoors. We remember her smile and her strawberry pies. We looked forward to spring when the strawberries would be ripe.

~ Stephen & Caryl Ann Cooper Elverson, Pennsylvania
4/16/2026 5:05:46 PM

My condolences go out to Esther’s family I have known Esther for 17yrs her husband Merle was the pastor that married me. Few months later that year I was in a serious car accident that paralyzed. Merle would come every week to visit and sometimes Esther would come with to pray for me. When Merle passed Esther started coming every week or calling. I loved my visits from Esther she would read to me, talk about how the morning at the reused shop went, her gardens specifically her flower garden, how the family was doing and what sewing project she was working on. I love her like she was my own grandmother she had the BIGGEST heart and I will miss her very much but I know that she is happy because she is back with Merle and most of all she is with our Father in Heaven watching over all of us. My thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to Esthers family especially in the days ahead as they get ready to say their goodbyes.

~ Tiffany Barkman HONEY BROOK, PA
4/15/2026 12:00:20 PM

Hello Craig & Linda, Christine & Jeff and Rose & Bob, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our wishes would be that we could attend your meet and greet service, but this weekend finds us in Charleston, SC. We wish you God's blessing and know that Esther is in a much better place in the presence of Jesus! May His grace and peace carry you thru this time! Keith & Kathy Stoltzfus

~ Keith & Kathy Stoltzfus NEW HOLLAND, PA
4/15/2026 10:12:05 AM

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