Esther E. Pullen

Esther E Pullen, (Barthel) age 94, passed away on March 5, 2026, at Hospice of Miami County. Esther was born on October 28, 1931, in Kittanning, PA to the late Fred and Emma Barthel. Esther was a 1949 graduate of Bath High School in Osborn (now known as Fairborn) OH. She went on to the Miami Valley School of Nursing and graduated as an RN in 1952. It was during nurse’s training that she met Harry Pullen, the love of her life. They wed on January 11, 1953, and celebrated 52 years of marriage before his passing a week later.

 Esther is survived by her loving children, son Eric Pullen and daughter Carol Pullen; grandsons, Bradley (Jay) Pullen and Zach Pullen; brother Hank (Cinda) Barthel, nephews, Mike (Cheryl) Barthel, Kurt Barthel, and niece, Julie Barthel. Esther is preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry Pullen; brother, Ernest Barthel; sister-in-law, Maryann Barthel; and nephew Zack Barthel.

Esther was a woman full of grace and humility, always thinking of others first. She rooted for the “underdog” in sports – the Chicago Cubs and in football, the Northwestern Wildcats. This in a family of OSU fans, go figure. The family would like to thank Dr Lauricella for the care of Esther and a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Hospice of Miami County for their care of Esther during her final days. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Esther to Hospice of Miami County. Arrangements entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home. 

Services will be private.