Esther E. Bolden (nee Hagey) 91, of Avon Lake and formerly of Sheffield Lake, passed away suddenly on October 6, 2012, at her home. Mrs. Bolden was born November 2, 1920 in Wilkensburg, PA. on the first day women were allowed to vote in an election. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Ohio where she graduated from Hudson High School. Esther also studied at the Cleveland School of Art where she received a number of awards for her art work including the Grumbacker Medallion. One of her paintings, a water color she painted of a vase of Easter Lilies that were given to her by her beloved children was chosen as the artwork for the 75th Anniversary Poster of the Easter Seals.

Esther worked as a welder on airplane scoops in Brady Texas during World War II. She also worked for Bill and Don's Catering, and as Baker in the kitchen at Brookside Middle School and High School. In her free time she enjoyed painting, ceramics, various crafts, calligraphy, making her own birthday cards and baking birthday and wedding cakes out of her home. She was a member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Avon Lake; volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Erie Shore Art League.

She is survived by two children, her son, Bruce (Alice) , of Sheffield Lake; and her step-daughter, Donna Gibson, of Texas; her dear grandchildren, Tonya, Doug, Renee' and Rachel as well as 4 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her dear husband, Anthony Andrew Bolden, in 1981; and their beloved son, Richard Anthony Bolden in 1998; her parents, Gaskill and Irma Hagey (nee Rhodes); and her brother, Robert Hagey.

Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon Belden Rd., Avon Lake, from 5-8pm on Tuesday, and at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 32747 Lake Rd., Avon Lake, Wednesday, October 10 from 9:00am until time of services at 10:00am. Rev. David Connor will officiate. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp. Memorials may be forwarded to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church.