Ferree R. Esbenshade Jr., 94, of New Holland, PA, passed away in his sleep on the morning of November 7th, 2024, at Fairmount Homes Retirement Community.
Born in East Earl Township, PA, he was the son of the late Ferree and Elizabeth Weaver Esbenshade Sr.
He worked as a dairy farmer, school bus driver and a seller of farm machinery. He was married to his wife Marian Smoker Esbenshade for 61 years, separated only upon her death in 2011. Together they raised a son and three daughters and was a dedicated, loving father. Ferree was a long-time member of Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community in East Earl. He loved his men’s Sunday school class and attended faithfully. He enjoyed being with family, pitching quoits, playing croquet, attending sales of farm equipment and singing hymns with family members.
Ferree is survived by his son, Robert, married to Elizabeth (Keener) Esbenshade, New Holland; Karen, married to Ron Horning, Mohnton; Joy, married to David Hungerford, Lancaster; a son-in-law, Dale married to Karen (Bauman) Hertzler, New Holland; nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Marian, his daughter, Sharlene Hertzler, and grandson, Jordan Horning.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community, 210 Weaverland Valley Road, East Earl PA 17519. A Viewing will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fairmount Homes Benevolent Fund, 433 Wheat Ridge Drive, Ephrata, PA 17522. Groff High Funeral Home in New Holland is entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
