Esther Ruth Brown, age 67 of Millfield passed away suddenly, Friday, June 16, 2023 at OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital, Athens.  Born Feb. 4, 1956 in Athens, she was the daughter of Darrell Shields of Albany and Josefine Schön Shields of Millfield.

A 1974 graduate of Athens High School, she was employed for 25 years at Brook's Shoe Factory in Nelsonville.  She was a longtime area resident and enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, flower gardening, shopping and vacations to the Smokie Mountains.

In addition to her parents, Darrell Shields and Josephine Shields, Esther is survived by her husband of 35 years, Dan Brown; children, Scott (Dawn) Kish of Millfield, Angie (Jonathan) Hooper of Glouster, Dan (Sandy) Brown of Millfield, David (Jamie) Brown of Goshen, IN and Kelly Brown of Chauncey; thirteen grandchildren, Harley Blower, Jon Michael Hooper, Jordan Kish, Katelyn Kish, Brayden Kish, Amber Brown, Rusty Brown, Logan Brown, Cory Brown, Travis Bellar, Courtney Brown, Darian Jones and Devin Hammond; eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Carol "Katie" (Steve) Kochis of Millfield and Centa Shields of Millfield; a brother, Darrell Shields, Jr. of Millfield; and her best friend, Pam Kempton of Nelsonville.

She is preceded in death by a niece, Megan Shields; and a great nephew, Landon Gibson.  Funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, June 21st at 1:00 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with Gary Alton officiating.  Burial will be in Hilltop Cemetery, Millfield.  Friends may call Tuesday 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence of sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.