Esther (Blessing) Ozias Rocarek passed away February 9, 2016 at the impressive age of 97 in the comfort of her home at Clairmont Retirement Community, Austin, Texas. Her body was tired, but her mind was sharp to the end. She was the beloved "Nana" to her grandson, Orin Ozias, and great-granddaughter, Jocelyn.

Esther was born July 9, 1918, the youngest of six children, to John Talbert and Elizabeth (Horn) Blessing of Cedar Rapids. Her siblings were Mary Irene (John) McIlvain, Pauline (Arnold) Sharp, Rudolph "Rudy", John Thomas "Tom" (Kathryn), and Von T. "Bud" (Lorraine).

While attending a Rabbit Association meeting with her father, she met Jesse "Ray" Ozias. They were married from 1935 to 1952, and they had one son, Douglas Kent.

Throughout her years, she enjoyed sports and fishing. Roller skating was a favorite pastime in her childhood. If asked, she would tell you that "cooking' was her greatest talent. She was the only sibling to help mother cold-pack whole tomatoes, "the old, old way." Her home-cooked specialties were rabbit (We are looking for her recipe if anyone recalls!), squirrel (special thanks to Mark and Marsha Klostermann), unforgettable scalloped potatoes with ham, sauerkraut, pickled beets and deviled eggs.

Esther was a long-time figure in Cedar Rapids' women's fashion scene; working at the Dixie Shop, Three Sisters, and Arnold's from 1967 until the store closed. She enjoyed fashion and ALWAYS wore coordinated outfits (even during hospitalization) and costume jewelry.

Esther married Frank Rocarek in 1976, and they celebrated life together until he passed in 2002. They enjoyed drives in the Iowa countryside, casinos, road trips with friends to destinations like Branson to be entertained by their adored Shoji Tabuchi. Some trips were not as much fun like when their friend Harry drove; he didn't like to stop. Once he drove both couples to see the Mall of America, only to see it from the parking lot and never to set a foot inside!

They loved the Cedar Rapids social scene including dancing at and supporting the Moose Lodge and Eagles Aerie. Esther enjoyed all parties - any holiday or occasion was a good reason to dress up, serve great food, and drink cold beer (later, "red beer"). She especially appreciated compliments for apple dumplings she made at the Moose.

In 2008, she moved to Austin to be closer to Douglas and his family as and the leave cold winters. She drove her Lexus into her early 90's, and participated in the annual Ozias Easter Hunts using her walker and grabber to compete for prizes. From 2008-2013, Esther, Douglas, Janice and - later- Jocelyn took road trips to Iowa following "Nana's Casino Route" and appreciated the special attention when staying at Cooper's Mill. She enjoyed country music including Austin's rodeo and music events. She was the best-dressed woman at the Austin City Limits/ ACL Festival even when the temperatures hit 107 degrees.

Esther was a long-time active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #2272 for over 45 years, the Women of the Moose #304/515 (since 1967), American Legion Auxiliary, Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post #778, and El Kahir Shrine Auxiliary.

Esther was predeceased by her parents and all of her siblings before losing her beloved husband Frank and enduring immense heart break with the sudden loss of her son Douglas in 2013.

In addition to Orin, Janice, and Jocelyn, she is survived by Frank's sons, Larry and Gary Sr. and their families. Special family members include Koleen Sharp Stika and family (Joliet, IL), Marsha Klostermann and family (Coggon), and Sue Sharp (Kenosha, WI). Special friends include Zane Hammonds (Austin) and Esther and Frank's Moose and Eagles "family," particularly the Downing, Ellis, Rahe, and Lamphier families. She was especially grateful for the attentive service of her housekeeper, Ana Reyes.

Esther wanted "just a simple graveside service at Czech National Cemetery followed by lunch at the Moose". Her service, assisted by the Eagles Auxiliary, will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, March 5, 2016. It will be followed by a celebration of her life hosted by Women of the Moose at the Cedar Rapids Moose Lodge 304/515.

In lieu of flowers, she requested that memorial donations be made to the Cedar Rapids Eagles Auxiliary #2272 (1735 11th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405), Women of the Moose #515 (1820 W. Post Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52404) or El Kahir Shrine for children's burn care. (PO Box 38, Hiawatha IA 52233, attn: Sara Wignall)

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