CLAYTON - Mary Esther Orvis of Clayton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, in her home. She was 97 years old. Esther was born May 4, 1916, in Clayton, the daughter of the late John L. Shortall and Ella McCaffery. Esther was a homemaker and part-time hair dresser. She belonged to several organizations which included the Clayton Century Club, Clayton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, the Lillian Smith Senior Center, and the BMV Sodality at St. Polycarp's Catholic Church and life member of St. Polycarp's Catholic Church. Mrs. Orvis' husband was a Delaware State Trooper and died while on duty on November 17, 1950. As a part of the Delaware State Police Family, her husband was never forgotten and neither will she be. She delighted each year in attending the State Police Memorial Services in May and December. She loved seeing so many friends who also loved her in return. Her Police Family admired her for her sense of humor, her compassion, and always the smile she shared with everyone. Esther had many friends and enjoyed their daily calls and visits. Those that visited her over the years were always welcomed into her home and were always offered something to eat – she never wanted anyone to go away hungry. She loved going out to lunch with her friends and even this past summer, was always ready for a trip to the mall or the park. She loved life, and she loved people. She will truly be missed but will always be loved and remembered by her family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, her husband James Delmas "Turk" Orvis, Sr.; son, James Delmas "Turk" Orvis, Jr.; and grandson James Delmas "Turk" Orvis, III. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Gloria Jean McFadden Orvis; a granddaughter, Teresa Lynn Felty and her husband Steven Sr. of Frederica; two great-grandsons, Steven Keith Felty, Jr. of Frederica and James Delmas Orvis IV of Felton; a great granddaughter, Stephanie Lynn Felty of Frederica; and her late grandson's wife, Annette Orvis of Felton. Mass of Christian Burial will be noon, Friday, October 4, 2013 in Holy Cross Catholic Church located at 631 S. State St. in Dover, Del. Friends may call on 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday evening October 3, 2013 in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 South Main Street, Smyrna, Del. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover, Del. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Orvis requested that donations be made to St. Ploycarp's Catholic Church Fund, 135 Ransom Lane, Smyrna, DE 19977 or the Delaware State Troopers Association, 6349 N. Dupont Highway, PO Box 168, Cheswold, DE 19936. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com.