It is with a heavy heart that the family of Esther Allen announce her passing on January 20, 2025, at the Selma Markowitz Hospice Care Center.

Esther Alice Allen (Rice) was born April 2, 1923, to Rosalie and Lee Rice. She worked for the City of Newark Chamber of Commerce from 1968 to 1988. She was a member of Wright Memorial Church in Newark. Esther was the most kind-hearted young lady that you could have ever met. She had a sweet laugh and always loved to sit and have a chat.

Besides her parents and stepfather (Clarance 'Shorty' Toothman) she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Allen, brother Vaughn Rice, stepdaughter Judith Pickering, son-in-law Mike Gutierrez and son Tommy Starkey.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Gutierrez, step son-in-law Jesse Pickering and niece Esther Adkins. Grandchildren; Alica Boyd (Alex), Mike Gutierrez, Jr., Tim Pickering (Tina) and Terry Pickering (Tracey) Great grandchildren; Eliana Boyd, Tom Pickering (Jessica), Andy Pickering (Christine Roth), Jenny Pickering (Patrick Varnum), Brittani Bentz (Rob), Broc Pickering (Alexa), Brogan Pickering (Bell Vanntoft-Fredriksson) Great, great grandchildren; Addie, Ellie, Macy, Penny, Gemma, Trey, Brooks, Beckett & Evy.

Funeral service will be held at 1pm on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Brucker-Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st St., Newark with Pastor John Brainard officiating. The family will receive friends from 12-1pm prior to the service. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.