Esther L. Plain (nee Bowen) passed away on Saturday, January 21 at Asbury Towers in Greencastle, IN at the age of 95 with her daughter, Jean Dell, at her bedside. Prior to moving to Greencastle to be near her daughter in September of 2011, she had been a resident of Hartsfield Village in Munster for 12 years and had lived in Lake County for over 70 years, residing in Crown Point, Hammond, Dyer and Munster. Preceding her in death were her daughter, Dr. Barbara E. Bremer in 1985, her husband, Lester Plain, in 1995 and her siblings, Evelyn M. Amacher, Richard A. Bowen and Sarah Jane Scandling. She is survived by her son, Dr. William H. Bremer of San Francisco, CA, her daughter Jean (Paul) Dell of Greencastle, IN, her brother, former Indiana Governor and U.S. Secretary of H.H.S. Dr. Otis R. (Carol) Bowen of Bremen, IN, three grandchildren, Michael (Marielle) Cadwalader of Medford, MA, Paige (Scott) Ryan of Carmel, IN and Wende (Enrique) Moran of Bellingham, WA, along with five great-grandchildren, Witt, Carys, Delaney, Whitney and Celia and two step great-grandchildren, Enrique Jr. and Amber. Also surviving her are numerous nieces and nephews, members of the Plain family and special friends including the Greppi family of Dyer, Phyllis Stanford of Hammond and residents of Hartsfield Village. On August 3, 1916 Esther was born in her grandparent's farmhouse in Richland Township, Fulton County, IN to Vernie and Pearl (Wright) Bowen. The eldest of five children, she was a fifth generation Hoosier who grew up in the small town of Fulton, IN where her father taught high school math and shop as well as being the basketball coach. She graduated from Fulton High School in 1934 and spent most of the remainder of her life in Lake County. She was a homemaker while raising her children and was active in the Girl Scouts, PTA and her church, Immanuel UCC having been a Sunday school teacher and longtime member of the Women's Guild. After raising her children she was employed at Monarch Dry Cleaners in Hammond for 25 years. While always an ardent Republican, she became more involved in politics after her brother began his Indiana political career and served as a poll worker and member of several GOP women's clubs. After retiring Esther had more time to devote to gardening and needlework until worsening arthritis limited her physical activity. The big trip of her lifetime was to Great Britain and Ireland. Baggins, her much loved dog, was her faithful companion in her later years. The funeral service will be held at noon, Wednesday, Jan. 25 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 2201 Azalea Dr., Highland, IN 46322 with the Rev. Billy Kilgore officiating. There will be a viewing at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the IOOF Cemetery, 620 W. 3rd St., Rochester, IN on Thursday, Jan. 26 (time TBA). Service entrusted to LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME, 6955 Southeastern Ave, Hammond, IN. In loving memory of Esther, memorial donations may be made to Immanuel UCC at the above address; Humane Society Calumet Area, 421 45th Ave., Munster; Fulton County. Historical Society, 37 East 375 North, Rochester, IN 46975 or Advocate Hospice, 2605 E. Main St., Danville, IN 46122. For further information regarding services, please contact LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME at 219/ 845-3600.