Esther J. (Pelton) Butcher, 84, of Granville Center, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center in Cortland, New York.

Born on August 7, 1941, in Blossburg, Esther was the daughter of the late James W. and Felda M. (Lane) Pelton. She graduated from SRU High School in East Smithfield. On May 30, 1970, she married Gary L. Butcher in Monroeton. Together, they shared 53 years of devoted marriage and raised a son and two daughters.

Esther worked for several years as a clerk at the Granville Summit Post Office until her retirement. She was a dedicated member of the Granville Center Church of Christ, where she served faithfully as a trustee.  Over the decades, Esther formed lasting friendships within the church community—bonds built on shared faith, laughter, and life's ups and downs. These dear friends were by her side through seasons of celebration and sorrow, offering support and companionship that meant the world to her.

A lover of nature, Esther found joy in feeding and watching the birds in her yard. She had a soft spot for her many outdoor cats and cherished their companionship. She was a talented baker, especially known for her Hungarian cookies. Esther was hardworking and resilient—together, she and Gary dedicated much of their lives to their dairy farm. Music brought her comfort and joy, but above all, her greatest love was for her family, who meant everything to her.

Esther is survived by her daughters, April (Bill) Barnes of Danville and Angel Butcher (Mike Hayes) of Rutland, VT; daughter-in-law, Joanna Butcher of Roaring Branch; grandchildren, Jacob Butcher (Katie Panasci), Travis (Cassidy) Butcher, Allyson Butcher (Conor Miller), Alex Bishop, Luke, Lauren, Danica, and Zachary Barnes; great-grandchildren, Sophia Eaton and Wrenley Butcher; sister, Gloria Johnson of Monroeton; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dale (Ida) Butcher of Granville Summit and Bea Butcher of Florida; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends Wayne Clark and Cheryl Dyar, who were a blessing to her in recent times.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary L. Butcher; her son, Wade Gary Butcher; her parents; her siblings, James (Alice) Pelton, Jr., Laura (Wayne) Campbell, Josie (Floyd) Saxon, Sharon Pelton and Karen Collins; and her in-laws Virginia "Blondie" Ward, Ronald Butcher, and James (Beatrice) Butcher.

A memorial service to celebrate Esther's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 8th, 2025, at the Granville Center Church of Christ, 5733 Route 514, Granville Summit, PA 16926. Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Granville Center Church of Christ, c/o 5753 Route 514, Granville Summit, PA 16926, in loving memory of Esther J. Butcher.

Memories of Esther and condolences to her family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.