Esther Ruth Grissom Obituary (2017)

Mrs. Esther Ruth Grissom passed away peacefully at Hickory Point Christian Village on Monday, December 11, 2017 at age 97. She was the wife of Wayne S. Grissom, DDS who predeceased her in 2010 after nearly 69 years of marriage. She was a life-long Decatur resident, born in 1920 to Martin and Mildred Gneckow. Esther graduated from Stephen Decatur High School, Class of 1938. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Leo L. Grissom, her future father-in-law. She married Dr. Wayne S. Grissom in 1941, just before he was called into service in the U.S. Navy for the remainder of WWII. She was a housewife and loving mother to daughter Barbara Jean, born in 1943, and James Stanley, born in 1947. She lost three children due to Rh incompatibility, Mary Ann, Karen Ruth and Allen Dean. She was active in her church, First E.U.B., then Central United Methodist Church as head of the nursery, and active in the choir and womens group. She and Wayne were charter members of Emmanuel Church and most recently members at First Presbyterian Church of Decatur. Esther was active with D.M.H. Auxiliary and Thrift Shop for many years. Esther and Wayne were especially proud of their home at the corner of William and Edward Streets. The home was built in the 1860s and they were privileged to refurbish it and live in it for 41 years. She especially enjoyed finding the right antiques to furnish it. Esther is predeceased by her parents, her husband, her twin brother Albert Gneckow and his wife Jean. Three children are deceased as mentioned. One granddaughter, Katherine Anne Grissom, died at the age of 16 in 1995. She is survived by her daughter Barbara and her husband Robert G. Busch, J.D. of Lakewood, CO, and her son James, M.D. and his wife Carole A. Grissom of Frederick, MD. She leaves four grandchildren, Kristina Grissom and her fianc Sean Smith of Frederick, MD, Robert G. Busch, J.D. and his wife Gretchen, J.D. of Greenwood Village, CO, Jeffrey W. Busch and his wife Carrie of Denver, CO and Jennifer Harris, PhD and her husband Kevin of Tulsa, OK. She is survived by nine great grandchildren. Arrangements will be handled by Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel with burial at Fairlawn Cemetery. Memorial services will be private for the family. Memorial contributions may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Decatur or Hickory Point Christian Village. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com. The family thanks the loving care of Dr. Richard Fritz (deceased), Dr. Kahn, Hickory Point Christian Village Assisted Living and Skilled Care Center. Also, thanks to Comfort Care, Harbor Light Hospice in the past and most recently Safe Haven Hospice.