Esther E. Cheney

Esther E. Cheney, 106, of Frederick, Maryland, passed from this life on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at Kline Hospice House in Mount Airy, MD. She was the loving wife of the late Leo V. Cheney. 

Born on October 18, 1917, in Keedysville, MD, she was the daughter of the late Howard Knode and Alta (Haller) Knode. She was the fifth of nine children, Winton, Glen, Haller, Algernan, Esther, Minerva, Juanita, Charles "Frankie," and Doris. Her sister, Juanita, is the only surviving child.  

Esther graduated from Boonsboro High School, Class of 1935. After a long career with C&P Telephone Company, she retired in 1974 as a supervisor. When she and her husband moved to Westminster, she worked another five years as a telephone operator at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). 

Esther was a loving, caring woman who leaves behind a beautiful legacy. During her long life she kept her mind sharp, body healthy and maintained a positive, witty demeanor.  If you asked her the secret to living a full life into her 106th year, she would tell you how she loved spending time with family, staying up to date on the news, following the Orioles baseball team, reading, and doing puzzles. In her younger days she loved to travel and explore in their camper with family and friends.  

She is survived by her son, Dennis Shafer; sister, Juanita; step-daughter, Carole Aleshire; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and devoted friend and caregiver, Cynthia White. 

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick, MD.  Flowers are a welcome tribute to her legacy. 

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.