Esther Rufty Hodgin

Esther Rufty Hodgin, age 61, of Salisbury passed away Sunday, March 11, 2012 at The Laurels of Salisbury after an extended illness. Born February 1, 1951, in Salisbury, to the late Raymond Wilson Rufty and the late Annie Kluttz Rufty. She was educated in the Rowan County Schools, graduating from North Rowan High School in 1969. Esther graduated from Appalachian State University in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Art Education. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Salisbury. Esther was gifted with a gentle and loving spirit. She was known for her generosity to family, friends and strangers. She enjoyed conversations about art, antiques and the stock market; she was an avid collector of china. She practiced the lost art of visitation; often, she would “stop in” bearing the simple gifts of companionship, and sometimes, her unexpected presence would provide unexpected gifts. Esther could be relied upon to call on any family member or friends that needed a smile, a word of encouragement, or something as vital as groceries. No one could miss the genuine smile and glad heart that she shared with the world. Esther never met a stranger. She met all who came with love and acceptance. Survivors include her loving husband of 23 years, Richard Cordell Hodgin; sisters Ruby R. Rutherford of Pukekohe, South Auckland, New Zealand, Luann Bridle (Ken) of Walnut Cove and Raye Ratliff (Rick) of Abingdon, VA; niece Heather Rutherford of New Zealand; nephews Alex Rutherford of New Zealand, Matthew Roach of Greensboro, Palmer Hodgin of High Point, Brian Hodgin of Wilmington and Evan Hodgin of Greensboro; father-in-law Rufus Hodgin of Greensboro; sister-in-law Jane Roach (Ed) of Greensboro; brother-in-law John Hodgin (Marty) of Greensboro; numerous Family Members and Friends. Visitation and Service: The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 PM Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Church Library. The service will follow in the Sanctuary of St. John’s Lutheran Church conducted by Rev. Rhodes Wooley, Rev. Jan Huntley and Rev. David P. Nelson. Burial will follow at City Memorial Park. Memorials: Rowan Hospice and Palliative Care, 720 Grove St., Salisbury, NC 28144; St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144 or to Rowan Helping Ministries, PO Box 4026, Salisbury, NC 28145-4026. Special Thanks: Dr. Brinkley and staff, Hospice staff, Tammy Smith, Elizabeth Wear, Eleanor Sifford, Christine Hilton, Barbara Upright, Jane Roach and Lorna Medinger.

Esther Rufty Hodgin

February 1, 1951 - March 11, 2012