Zetta Ann Esper

Zetta Ann Esper, 95, passed away peacefully on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020 at the Thornwald Home. No day could have been more appropriate. Her devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was exceeded only by her love for her husband of 69 years.
She was born in Cincinnati, OH on December 31, 1924, the third of four daughters to the late Harry and Loretto (Davin) Gausling.
Zetta was never fond of sharing her birthday with New Year’s Eve but generally entered into the spirit of the festivities with a glass of pink champagne. She was raised in a large and loving family of German and Irish aunts, uncles and cousins. Zetta attended St. Rose School and St. Mary’s High School where she excelled as a student. She earned a scholarship to Our Lady of Cincinnati College (later Edgecliff), becoming the first member of her family to attend college. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1946 and began working as a chemist at Emery Industries in Cincinnati. Her scientific career ended a few years later after she met and married Donald Esper in 1950. When he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1951, the young couple left her hometown and she began her life as a military spouse and mother.
Prior to marriage, Zetta had lived in only two homes on the same block on Eastern Ave, in Cincinnati, but she spent the next 30 years traveling the world with her husband and three children. They moved 23 times during Don’s military career and in every new place, Zetta made a safe and loving home for her family. She was the consummate Army wife – a gracious hostess, a compassionate friend, a tireless volunteer, a mentor and surrogate mother to the younger wives. When Don retired from the military in 1980, they settled in Carlisle, PA. Zetta enjoyed her life in Carlisle, where she was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for over 25 years. She participated in many social groups and had a circle of loyal friends. Zetta loved sewing, needlepoint, and cooking.
Zetta lived a full and long life and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Of her legacy, the words of Proverbs are apt: “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’”
Zetta is survived by her loving husband, Donald Esper of Carlisle; three children, Anne (husband Mark) Swartz of Goodyear, AZ, Michael (wife Fran) Esper of Carlisle, and Nancy (husband Robert) Gessner of Canton, OH; one sister, Patricia Kemme of Cincinnati, OH; six grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters.
A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial mass for friends and family will be announced at a later date.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hoffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 2020 West Trindle Road Carlisle, PA 17013.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 152 East Pomfret Street Carlisle, PA 17013.
To sign the guestbook, please visit www.HoffmanFH.com.