Esther Alspaugh was born near Orwigsburg, Pa., on May 24, 1814, being one of a family of twelve children. Through the preachings of Bishop Seybert she was converted in early years and became a member of the Evangelical church, while yet in her maidenhood, and remained a true and faithful member till her death. She was married to Jonathan Ditzler Oct. 5, 1834, and soon after they moved to Stark county, Ohio, and lived there nine years, where two children were born to them.
In 1844 the family came to Illinois and settled in Naperville, where they resided ever since, and where two more children were given them. Mrs. Ditzler was a woman with a kind heart, helping the poor and needy wherever and whenever she could. Besides rearing her own family she at different times gave a home and cared for three orphan children. She passed through much sorrow and a great deal of sickness through her whole life. Her husband died over twenty years ago, and since that time she has had much suffering and pain, and was obliged to withdraw from the outside world and live only in her own little world of home. Here she worshipped, here she prayed, and here she had the deepest, tenderest influence on those around her. Her last illness was of four weeks duration. There was a gradual change from day to day cutting loose from the earthly and drawing nearer to the heavenly. God did not let her suffer much but kindly and gently drew her closer and closer to Him.
On last Sabbath she frequently asked if the evening was near, and when evening drew nigh, about five o'clock, she calmly fell asleep with the smile of peace and the light that comes at eventide. Two of her children, Mrs. Elizabeth Cable, of California, and Mrs. Susan Butts of Oregon, could not be present. But Eli, of Hinsdale, and Hannah of our city were with her to the last. She was conscious and spoke till within half an hour of her death. Besides the four children she leaves one sister in Iowa, Mrs. John Rickert, who is now the last link of the once large family circle. The funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon at the Salem church, conducted by Revs. Berberich and Fouke.
Thus has ended a long life of usefulness and devotion. She has gone to where she will no more say good night but in the brighter clime will bid us a good morning.

The Naperville Clarion
January 28, 1903