Esther E. Yeager

Esther E. Yeager of Accord and a life long area resident, passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at the Golden Hill Health Care Center. She was 102 years old. Esther was born on September 7, 1907 in South Hill, NY; she was the daughter of Herbert and Mabel V. (Brown) Phillips.

Esther graduated Ellenville High School and later attended Spencer’s Business College in Kingston. She worked as a Secretary for the Ulster and Sullivan County Hotel Association for 6 years before taking time off to start a family with her husband Sherman, who died in 1979.  

Esther was a founder of the cafeteria system for the Kerhonkson High School and had worked in the school cafeterias for the Rondout Valley School District for 32 years. She also moonlighted as a chef at the Casino Restaurant. 

Esther was a charter member of the Kerhonkson-Accord First Aid Squad. She was part of the first graduating class of certified EMTs in Ulster County. Esther was a member of the Ulster County EMS Council and the Ulster County Ambulance Association. She was a charter member of the Federated Church of Kerhonkson where she worshiped and taught Sunday school. When Esther wasn’t busy working or volunteering she enjoyed knitting, crocheting and spending time with her family.

Esther is survived by her sons; Walter Yeager of Accord and Robert Yeager of High Falls, ten grandchildren, twenty four great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Esther was predeceased by her daughters Colleen Kaplan and Eileen Grajewski, her brothers Kenneth and Clarence Phillips, Sr., her sister Gladys Hendrickson and two great-great grandchildren.