Esther Reid Stoddard

Esther Reid Stoddard, age 98 passed away peacefully surrounded by love and assurance of her home in heaven on Sunday, May 3, 2015 in Sebring, Florida. She was born on August 28, 1916 in Jamesburg, New Jersey to the late Howard R. and Hattie Ruth (Spooner) Van Dyke. Esther was a school teacher by trade. She was a former member of the Toms River, NJ Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in New Brunswick, NJ, where she served as a Deacon, an Elder, an officer of the Women's Association, Circle Leader, Spiritual Life Leader, Sunday School Teacher and Prayer Group Coordinator. She had lived in New Brunswick, NJ from 1948 to 1982 and taught school in Highland Park, NJ from 1956 to 1976. She moved to Sebring in 2004 from Lakewood, NJ. While in Sebring she was a member of St. John United Methodist Church where she was a member of the prayer group and the Mary Martha group. She was a gifted artist painting in oil, acrylic and water colors and was a member of the Leisure Village Art League. Although she had no children of her own, she was a beloved aunt and friend and had adopted many into her family circle. Survivors include two step-grandchildren: David (Karen) Peck and Martin (Claudia Eckert) Stacey all of England, two sisters-in-law: Dorothy Van Dyke-Mountainside, NJ and Jane Van Dyke-Great Falls, MT, five step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her first husband: William H. Reid, III, her second husband: Harold B. Stoddard, two brothers: Rev. Dr. Howard R. Van Dyke and Arthur W. Van Dyke, one sister: R. Barbara "Bobbie" Gumbert and step-daughter: Rosalie (Ken) Stacey. There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, May 6, 2015, beginning at 2:00pm at St. John United Methodist Church with Reverend Ronald DeGenaro, Jr. officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Van Dyke Farm Preservation Fund, c/o Jean Dvorak, 293 Deans-Rhode Hall Rd., Jamesburg, NJ 08831 Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home (863) 385-0125 Online condolences may be left at: www.stephensonnelsonfh.com