Esther Mildred Beard, 87, of Wintersville, Ohio formerly of Lapeer, Michigan died Sunday, January 1, 2006 at Dixon Health Care Center. She was born on May 20, 1918 in Cass City, Michigan a daughter of the late Orie and Mary Kittendorf Hathaway. Preceded in death by her husband, Delbert E. Beard. She retired from Lapeer State Hospital as supervisor of the housekeeping department. Ester held church membership with the First Baptist Church in Lapeer, Michigan and attended Wintersville Baptist Temple. She is survived by a daughter Carole Jean (Charles) Evans of Taylor, S.C.; two sons Gerald E. (Lee) Beard of Lapeer, Michigan and Rev. John A. (Ann) Beard of Wintersville; sister Violet Cleveland of Florida; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Friends may call at the Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville on Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. and at Muir Brothers Funeral Home, 1021 South Main Street, Lapeer, Michigan (810-644-8111) on Wednesday from 6-9p.m., where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. with Rev. David Hill officiating. Burial at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church or Wintersville Baptist Temple.