Esther L.  Hamilton, 89, of Defiance, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at her home in Defiance. She was born on June 2, 1928 to Melvin and Julia (Frank) Thomas in Leipsic, Ohio. In 1957 she married  Douglas D. Hamilton, who preceded her in death in 1999. Esther was a member of First Church of God in Defiance. She worked for over 25 years at Defiance Hospital, and also at The Laurels of Defiance in the laundry department. Esther loved spending time with her family. Esther will be missed by her daughters, Pamela Limber of Defiance,  Anita (Kent) Freyman of Bryan, Susan (Rick) Retcher of Defiance, and Shelley Hamilton of Ottawa, son, Michael Hamilton of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 11 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandsons, sisters, Lois Good of Defiance, and Shirley Hornung of Dupont. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Hamilton, son, Douglas Allen Hamilton, sisters, Viola Marshall, Vernece Geckel, Dorothy Burkhart, and Leona Breckler, and brothers, Richard, Forrest, Everett, and Carl Thomas. Visitation will be held from 2-7 pm on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 26th at First Church of God, with Pastor Rick Rufenacht and  Pastor Larry Kennedy officiating. Burial will  follow the service at Riverside Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.