Esther Elinor (Rapp) Braun lived a wonderful life filled with blessing and peacefully passed away June 30, 2026, just shy of her 100th birthday.
Born on August 9, 1926, she grew up in Bloomingburg, Ohio, the daughter of the late Omar and Rena (Siemon) Rapp.
Preceding her in death was her husband, James Henry Braun and her siblings, Wilbur Rapp, Marjorie Rapp Braun and Roger Rapp.
Survivors include her four sons, Gary, Wade (Cheryl), Karl (Peggy) and John Braun; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Esther and Jim met at their sibling’s Marjorie and Williams Braun’s wedding and married a year later in 1950. Over their 61 years together, they raised four sons and ran the family farm in Good Hope. They also enjoyed winters in Florida and traveling throughout America and parts of Europe.
Esther was a long-standing member of the Good Hope United Methodist Church where she found great comfort and companionship throughout her life. She was a dedicated volunteer cooking many wonderful meals for the Good Hope Lions Club where Jim was a member for many years. Esther gave of her time and talents to the Fayette County Board of Elections as an election day poll supervisor. She was also a member of the local garden club where she enjoyed friendship and her love of flowers.
She will be remembered by her family for her warmth, kindness and generosity. One particular memory shared by many was her tasty hickory nut cakes which were always requested and enjoyed at gatherings of family and friends. Esther was loved and will be remembered fondly.
A private graveside service will be held in Good Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.
A celebration of life, which is open to the public, will be held Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.., on her 100th birthday, at the Good Hope Methodist Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Hope Methodist Church, c/o Jerry M. Wilson, 2016 Flakes Ford Road-SE, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.
www.kirkpatarickfuneralhome.com
Dear Family,
Sorry to learn of your loss. We send our sympathy and prayers for comfort and peace.
I have been asking Esther for the past couple weeks what she wanted for her 100th birthday. Her answer always remained the same. To have all her family and loved ones in the same room at the same time. I love that her celebration of life will be held on her birthday. She gets to have her wish after all.