Esther Skochylas

Esther Maruk Skochylas, 97, of New Kensington passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Thursday January 6, 2022 at Presbyterian Senior Care in Oakmont. She was born in Lyndora, Butler County on August 3, 1924 to the late Steve and Margaret Moser Maruk. 

Esther was a graduate of Har-Brack High School class of 1942. Her strong work ethic led her to her first job at Lewis Clothing Store in Tarentum and then as a naval inspector and Administrative Assistant for Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation Brackenridge Works. After raising her two daughters, she continued her working career at Penn State University, New Kensington and then at New Kensington Arnold School District retiring in 1987.

Esther held a deep spiritual belief and dedication to God and was an active church member most all her life. She married her beloved husband, the late Michael Skochylas, on April 27, 1946 in the Russian Orthodox Church. She joined Calvary Lutheran Church, and in her later years was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Kensington.    Being a mother and wife was the greatest role in Esther’s life, making countless everlasting memories full of laughs and smiles, cultivating her beautiful garden, and taking care of those she loved.

She will be forever missed but deeply remembered for her giving spirit, sweet personality, loyalty, and grace by her surviving family; her beloved daughters, Elaine Widmer (Thomas Gruber) of Avon, CT and Ellen (Thomas) Smith of Oakmont; cherished granddaughters, Erin (John) Yacovetti and Lauren Smith; and precious great-grandsons, Collin and Logan Yacovetti. 

In addition to her parents, Esther was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Michael Skochylas who died in 2015, and her siblings, William Maruk and Mary Jane Rossey. 

All services were private. ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD. 217 Freeport Road New Kensington was entrusted with the arrangements. Private burial at Union Cemetery, Arnold. To leave an online condolence or memory of Esther please visit our website www.rossgwalker.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Esther Skochylas, please visit our floral store.