Virginia "Teddy" Esler

Virginia Helen “Teddy” Esler, 94, formerly of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, died Friday, May 11, 2018 at Orchard Park in Bucyrus where she’s lived since 2014, when she and her husband Bob moved to be closer to family.



She was born May 4, 1924 on Millcreek Farm which was owned by family and located in Romney, West Virginia. Teddy, a nickname earned at a very young age, grew up in the area and was a 1942 graduate of Romney High School. She then completed nurses training at Cumberland Memorial Hospital in Cumberland, Maryland, earning her nursing cap in 1944.



Teddy began her career as a hospital nurse and eagerly cared for patients for a few years before finding her calling in pediatric care. This passion of caring for little ones, lasted many years and she was grateful for the experience. In May 1956, Teddy went on a blind date with Robert R. (Bob) Esler Jr. They were married a year later. Bob’s ongoing promotions at PPG meant a lot of transfers for the family. Seven moves in eleven years, ultimately finishing his career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Even with all these travels, meeting new people was no challenge for Teddy’s upbeat and outgoing personality. She and Bob were always playing cards in couple’s bridge clubs and they spent time working in their garden. While Bob worked outside the home, Teddy worked at home taking care of their girls and did much sewing, a gift passed down from her grandmother. She often made clothes for herself and the girls as well as anything else needed for school programs or Halloween costumes as Teddy was very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren.



Teddy was an active member at Glenshaw Presbyterian Church, where she was involved with the Presbyterian Women and assisted in the church office. She served as a Girl Scout Leader, was active in PTA, and delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. She cherished time spent with family and following Bob’s retirement, enjoyed their annual stay in Siesta Key, Florida. But no matter where life took her, she was never too far to root for her Pittsburgh Steelers. Teddy will be remembered as ever the caregiver. She tried always to brighten someone’s day.



Teddy is survived by two daughters, Nancy and husband Dr. Glen McMurray of Bucyrus and Susan Esler and husband Steve Skibo of Cincinnati; three grandchildren, Erin (Jason) Ross, Kelly (George) Andress, and Benjamin Skibo; four great grandchildren, Norah and Charlotte Ross and Olivia and Madelyn Andress; one brother, Richard Harmison as well as numerous nieces and nephews.



She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul Cresap “PC” and Nancy Jane (Parker) Harmison; her husband of 59 years, Robert R. Esler, Jr. and two siblings, Sue Jane Kuykendall and Paul “Bud” Harmison.



Teddy’s family will visit with friends from 6-6:30 pm Tuesday, June 5 at Wise Funeral Service, where her memorial service will be held that evening at 6:30. A private burial will take place at Indian Mound Cemetery in Romney, West Virginia.



Contributions can be made payable to Kindred Hospice or to Glenshaw Presbyterian Church and these gifts will be accepted through the funeral home.