Goshen, Indiana - Esther Mae Plodowski (nee Zimmerman) raced into heaven and crossed the finish line on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

She joined her husband, Douglas Ray Plodowski; her parents, Dr. William H. Zimmerman and Gladys Opal Zimmerman; her brother, Benjamin; and aunts and uncles at the throne of the King. Her training kept her looking up for the return of her Savior, so she was ready when He called.

Esther is waiting for the rest of her family to join her at the throne. She's watching the races of her daughters, Heidi (Todd) Weldy, Katherin Plodowski, Rebecca (Patrick) Harlan; her grandchildren, Moira Katheryn Harlan, Tika Ariel Harlan, Shamus Riley (Jessica) Starlan, Galen Parker Harlan; her siblings, John (Kathy) Zimmerman and Edie Palmer-Hamilton; her nieces and nephews.

While training, Esther worked at various positions including school secretary and then kindergarten teacher at Brethren Christian School, receptionist at Steele Family Dentistry, and office administration at Sugar Grove Church.

Her passions on earth revolved around children and prophetic works of the Bible. She lit up at the chance to play or read to a child.

Her prayer journals were full of prayers for children ... whether she knew them or not.

Her heart broke for the children of war, the children of broken homes, the children in denial, or the children in ignorance.

If you'd like to celebrate Esther's race, the visitation will be Saturday, Oct.18, at Sugar Grove Church, 58512 Old County Rd 17, Goshen, Indiana 46528 from 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. with the funeral service immediately following.