Esther Thelma BrowningNEW CONCORD: Esther Thelma Browning, 97, of Friendship Drive, New Concord, was called to her heavenly home at 12:50 am, Friday, January 24, 2014.She was born on November 8, 1916 in Cumberland, OH to Aubrey and Mary Harding. Esther was a caregiver who, in spite of early hardships in her life, managed to take over the responsibilities of caring for her father and siblings at the tender age of 10. She was a tenacious and determined lady, and once her mind was set on something it would not be changed.Esther was a dedicated worker. She was employed by the Shawnee Pottery until 1960 and she retired from Muskingum College and the Aramart Food Service in 1999 after 38 years. At the college it was her job to check student ID's, and she eventually grew to know every student there by their name. The students affectionately called her "Grandma"; she refused to retire, and worked until she was over 80 years old, bowing out gracefully only after the School implemented student swipe cards for entry to and from campus. Esther was also a faithful lifetime member of the Bethel Methodist Church. She loved to play cards, particularly Euchre, but her favorite thing to do was simply spend her time in the outdoors. She loved fishing and camping. Travelling was a true joy for her, but she took her greatest solace in the moments she shared with her family at Buckeye Lake. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William D. Browning, who passed away July 22, 1974; her daughter, Donna McKirahan of New Concord, who passed away on June 9, 2012; her brother, Jesse R. Harding; and three brothers-in-law.Esther is survived by her two sons, Richard (Peggy) Browning, of Henderson NV, and Kurt (Beverly) Browning, of Sonora; her daughter, Billie (Fritz) Tender, of Hebron; her sister-in-law, Virginia Harding, of Philo, ten grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren as well as a host of other family and friends.Visitations will be held on Monday January 27th with calling hours of 2-4PM and 6-8PM at the Farus Funeral Home of New Concord (formerly the Mock-Miller Funeral Home), 63 W. Main Street, New Concord, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday the 28th at the Funeral Home with a one Hour viewing beginning at 10AM, services will start promptly at 11AM, and burial will follow at the New Hope Cemetery in Adamsville where she will be laid to rest beside her husband. The Reverend Tadd Sponseller will be officiating. www.farusfh.com