Esther Rishell Thomas

STRONGSVILLE - Esther Rishell Thomas, 98, died June 10, 2026.

She was born in Renovo, PA. She graduated from Renovo high school, Renovo, PA in 1945. Attended Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA; graduated from Kent State University, Kent, OH in 1969.

She was a teacher of the deaf in the Canton and Akron City Schools.

She was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. She was Co. Director of St. Luke’s senior day center and was active in St. Luke’s women’s group and was a past member of friends of Stow-Munroe Falls public library board.

She was predeceased in death by her husband, Morton M. Thomas; her parents, Anna Mae and Raymond Rishell; her brother, Howard Rishell.

She is survived by her son, Brian R. Thomas (Charlene) of Middleburg Heights and daughter Anne T. Warren of Lawrenceville, GA; five grandchildren Victor Thomas (Denell), Jessica Vedda (Phil), Megan Moore (Steven), Amanda Warren and Joshua Crowe; three great grand children Sophia Vedda, Joey Vedda and Matthew Murphy.

A private memorial service will be held with family, with burial taking place at Chestnut Hill memorial park in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Lukes Lutheran Community, 220 Applegrove St. NE, North Canton,OH 44720.