Esther Novotny

Esther May Novotny, 87, of Bellaire, passed away on July 13, 2016 at Heritage Haus in Bellaire. Esther was born on June 24, 1929, in Central Lake, the daughter of Duane and Corene (Rushton) Johnson. Esther was a longtime member of the Waldo Chapter #180 Eastern Stars in Bellaire as well as the Central Lake First Congregational Church. Esther was a resident of Eastport for many years where she ran Eastport Resale, then in 2001 she moved to Bellaire. She is survived by five children, Susan (Wally) Geiersbach of Saginaw, Chuck (Diana) Dewey of Mancelona, Butch (Coke) Dewey of Bellaire, Linda Dewey of Bellaire, Nancy (Gary) Slabosz of Bellaire, 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Gene Dewey, second husband Frank Novotny, a great-grandson Mason Sumampow as well as four siblings, Versil Johnson, Carl Johnson, Ardith Spoelman and Elmer Johnson. Funeral services will take place on Sunday, July 17, 1:00 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, Pastor Gary Bekkering will officiate. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Township. Visitation will be Saturday from 2-5 p.m. also at the funeral home with an Eastern Star service beginning at 5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Lake First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 326, Central Lake, MI, 49622 or to Order Eastern Star, Waldo Chapter # 180, P.O. Box 656, Bellaire, MI, 49615. Arrangements are being handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign Esther's online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.