Background
Chaffee, Esther Ridenour was born in Lima, Ohio, United States. Daughter of Joshua Mechling and Jennie (Hitchcock) Ridenour.
Chaffee, Esther Ridenour was born in Lima, Ohio, United States. Daughter of Joshua Mechling and Jennie (Hitchcock) Ridenour.
Student, Wittenberg University, 1929—1930. Student, Bluffton College, 1932—1933. Student, University Michigan, 1950—1951.
Student, Ball State University, 1956—1957. Bachelor in Music Education, Lawrence University, 1963.
Elementary vocal music teacher, Lima, 1932—1934, 1932—1934. Substitute teacher Washington, 1934—1936, Pontiac and Birmingham, Michigan, 1945—1955. High School music teacher Marion, Indiana, 1955—1958.
Elementary vocal music teacher Morgan School, Appleton, Wisconsin, 1963—1975.
Assistant organist National City Christian Church, Washington, 1934—1936. Organist, choir director First Baptist Church, Birmingham, 1950—1953, All Saints Episcopal Church, Appleton, 1958—1964, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Menasha, 1964—1975. Organist, choirmaster St. Albans Episcopal Church, Olney, Illinois, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Robinson, 1975—1977, St. Anne's Church, De Pere, Wisconsin, since 1977.
Volunteer teacher, programmer Children's Hospital, Detroit, 1950—1954. Director Civic Music Series, Marion, 1952. Music teacher Retarded Children's School, 1954—1955.
Assistant music therapist Winnebago State Hospital, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 1967—1971. Music coordinator Opportunity Centers, Southeast Illinois Daycare Center. Master: American Contract Bridge League (life).
Member: Wisconsin Music Educators Guild, National Music Educators Guild, Wisconsin Academy Arts, Organ Guild.
Married David R. Meily, May 23, 1934 (deceased 1972). Children: Helen Adelia Bayer, Martha Frances Senechal, Sara Elizabeth Hayden. Married Thomas K. Chafee, August 1975.