Esman, Phyllis E.
of Kalamazoo, Michigan Passed away at her home on Thursday, May 10, 2012. Age 79 years. She was born on December 26, 1932 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Thurlow A. and Marguerite W. Saunders Balch. Phyllis was of the Methodist Faith. She worked the United States Postal Service, retiring after 18 years of service. She belonged to the V.F.W. #5855 Auxiliary. Phyllis enjoyed knitting, crocheting, bowling and gardening. She was married to Fay Dean; he preceded her in death on August 13, 1970. She later married Louis D. Esman; he preceded her in death on July 8, 1998. Surviving are two children, Arlene Douglass of Shelbyville and Ron Douglass of Parchment; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Patricia William Henry of Kalamazoo, Beverly Louis Markword of Brethren, MI, Barbara Richard Shand of California, Gaylord Balch of Mendon, Bonnie Jean Frye of Kalamazoo; a sister-in-law, Lynn Balch of Georgia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Phyllis was preceded in death by her daughter, Connie Koscik; two brothers, Norm Balch and Marvin Balch. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 - 4:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16 2012 at the Langeland Family Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue. A private family graveside service will take place at a later date.