Obituary of Esther A. Gehring

Mrs. Esther A. Gehring, 94, formerly of Berthoud Street, Nelliston, New York died, Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at St. Johnsville Rehab and Nursing Center. Born on April 23, 1918 in Fort Plain, NY, she was the daughter of Joseph Stefanacci and Assunta Rufoloni Stefanacci. Esther was educated at Fort Plain Schools and was a lifelong area resident. Mrs. Gehring was employed as an inspector for Beech-Nut Corp. in Canajoharie for 16 years, retiring in 1980. She also worked for the former Luxuray Knitting Mill in Fort Plain for 27 years. She had been a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fort Plain since 1939 and was a member of the W.E.L.C.A. Ladies of the Church. Mrs. Gehring was a member of the Fort Plain/Nelliston Senior Citizens and a member of the St. Johnsville Senior Citizens. On June 4, 1938 in Fort Plain, NY, Esther was married to Charles T. Gehring, Jr. He preceded her in death on March 28, 1973. She was also predeceased by her father and mother; step-father, Plinio Trombetta; daughter, Elsie J. Sanders; brother, Silvino Stefanacci; sisters, Margaret Gehring and Alma Ouderkirk. Mrs. Gehring is survived by her son, Dr. Charles T. Gehring, III of Altamont, NY; step-daughter, Yvonne Farley of Saratoga Springs, NY; sister, Virginia Vosburgh of Canajoharie, NY; son-in-law, Cecil Sanders of St. Johnsville, NY; 5 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 12:00pm at the Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY with Rev. Kenneth Dingman officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 11:00-12:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Mrs. Esther A. Gehring may be made to the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166.