Ronald Lee "Ron" Ester was born in Blue Ridge Township, Illinois on June 2, 1940 and grew up in Farmer City, Illinois. Ron married the former Martha Jean "Marty" Devenbaugh on February 17, 1961, and they began a loving life together that spanned nearly 64 years. They began their marriage in Granite City, Illinois, later settling in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Throughout their marriage Ron and Marty enjoyed a close bond, working and playing together, that extended to their children and grandchildren as time went by.

Their family business, Loads, Inc., a trucking company located in Broken Arrow, OK, was built by Ron and Marty, who later turned it over to their son, Mark. Their retirement lasted about year before they went back to participate in the operation again with the rest of the family.

Ron had a great love for watching OU football and did not hesitate to show his pride by wearing his OU shirt, even to church at First Christian Church where Ron and Marty were members for the past twenty-five years. They loved attending Sunday school and appreciated the friendships and fellowship with fellow members. Another of Ron's hobbies was fishing; the family fondly recall how and he liked attending church early when possible so he could fish the remainder of the day.

There are many wonderful memories Ron's family will cherish of time spent together. Although their main home and business was in Broken Arrow, Ron and Marty had a place at Whitehorn Cove on Fort Gibson Lake for 38 years and spent most weekends there. Activities such as camping, cooking, growing vegetables, and, of course, fishing further strengthened family ties that will last forever. Ron's example of a life well lived will be a source of strength and guidance for generations to come.

Ron departed this life to be with the Lord early Friday, January 31, 2025, at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, surrounded by his loving family. They find comfort in their faith that in a moment Ron was in the presence of the Lord and was welcomed by his parents, Virgil and Helen Ester; his and Marty's infant son, Brian Scott Ester; two grandchildren, Grant Lee and Grace Ann Ester; and his brother, Gene Ester.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Marty Ester of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ron Jr. and Penny Ester of Castle Pines, Colorado and Mark and Dana Ester of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; grandchildren, John Mark Ester and Cameron Woodlee; extended family and friends, including lifelong friends, Bobby Crow, Robert Cox, and Al Folske.

There will be a visitation on Friday, February 7 from 6 to 8 pm at Mallett Funeral Home Chapel in Wagoner, Oklahoma.

Family and friends will gather for a Life Celebration on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10 am at First Christian Church in Wagoner, Oklahoma. The Reverend Dr. Richard Allen will officiate. Pallbearers will be John Mark Ester, Cameron Woodlee, Tony Holmes, Danny Cox, Abe Helfand, and Rich Tingler. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Crow, Robert Cox, Al Folske, Bill Benham, Don Staiger, and Nathan Forest.

Inurnment will take place at a later date.