Esther Ann Rohs

Esther Ann Rohs

April 8, 1918 - Sept. 21, 2012

YORK, Nebraska -- Esther Ann Rohs was born April 8, 1918, the ninth of 10 children, in Hebron, North Dakota. She was the last surviving member of that generation. She grew up during the Depression; in high school her favorite activity was band and one of the proudest moments in her life was playing the trombone in a marching band during a parade for Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Bismarck, North Dakota.

After high school she went to business school, and worked in the newly-built and beautiful North Dakota state capitol. She married Jack Kavaney and they had three daughters, Jacqueline, Kathleen, and Judith. Esther and her young family had to deal with a great tragedy when Jack lost his life in the battle of St. Lo in Normandy in 1944.

In 1947, Esther married Frederick Rohs, and the family relocated to York, Nebraska. They had a son, Gregory Rohs. Later they lived in Ogallala and McCook, Nebraska.

Esther and Fred retired to the Phoenix area, enjoying life and golf for many years. Esther became a local phenomenon by making three holes in one on the same hole in the same year. Her other avid interest was pro basketball, and she was a diehard fan of the Suns.

After Fred's passing in 2005, Esther spent the rest of her life in Cincinnati, Ohio, near her son Greg and his family. She faced the trials and pains of old age with the same grit and determination she had in all phases of her life, and her family will always remember her with awe and inspiration.

Esther passed away on Sept. 21, 2012, at the age of 94. She is survived by four children: Jacqueline Kapsner of Edina, Minnesota, Kathleen Kavaney of New York, New York, Judith Hodell of Medanales, New Mexico, and Gregory Rohs of Cincinnati, Ohio; 8 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

It was Esther's wish to be cremated. There will be a mass at St Joseph's Catholic Church in York at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2013. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, York. A reception lunch will follow in St Joseph's Church basement. Friends are encouraged to attend.

Condolences may be directed to the family at www.metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary, York, is handling arrangements.