Esther Louise (Yerkes) Fleetwood went to be with her Lord and Savior in heaven Friday, August 7, 2026, after spending her life of nearly 93 years in Washington, Indiana. Esther was born to Sherman and Catherine (Brummett) Yerkes on September 10, 1933, the oldest of 10 children, and having been born in in ’33, she often referenced that number to reflect the age she felt she was in her body and in her heart, responding to questions about her age by saying, “I’m 33”.
Esther married Richard “Dick” Fleetwood in 1951, and together they raised a family in their home of over 70 years at 1725 Bedford Road. Esther gave her heart to Jesus at the early age of 10, and was a devout Christian witness of God’s forgiveness and grace. She was a fervent prayer warrior who worked energetically to bring as many people to Christ as she could. Esther was an active and involved lifelong member of Washington Free Methodist Church and made sure her 4 children received a solid religious foundation by taking them to church every Sunday morning.
After raising her children, Esther spent a good amount of time painting, wallpapering, and baking cakes for many special occasions. She was very much at home in her kitchen preparing 3 meals a day, and was especially adept at baking cookies, cobblers, homemade noodles, and yeast rolls.
Esther is survived by 3 of her children, Brad Fleetwood of Ocala, Florida, Kim Fleetwood-Doades of rural Vincennes, and Kelly Fleetwood of Washington, 8 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, Marsha and Jeanie, and scores of nephews, nieces, other family, and friends. Her husband, Richard Fleetwood, and oldest son, Mark Fleetwood, precede Esther in death, along with 5 brothers, and 2 sisters.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 15th, at Washington Free Methodist Church, with visitation at 10am and the service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Esther’s name to Washington Free Methodist Church.
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