Esther Thomas

Esther Thomas was born on March 3, 1942, in Fairview, Oklahoma, to Abraham “Abe” A. Penner and Eva (Eck) Penner. She passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Corinth, Texas, at the age of 84 years, 7 months, and 9 days. Esther graduated as valedictorian of the Fairview High School Class of 1960. She continued her education at Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in secretarial studies. She went on to build a career as a circuit designer and retired from Southwestern Bell.

Esther made her home in Oklahoma City for 53 years before moving to Texas in 2015 to be near her daughter, Vanessa. Throughout her life, she found joy in painting and poetry, working with oils, watercolors, and pastels to express her creativity. She also spent many years making handmade gifts for birthdays and Christmas, sharing her love with family through thoughtful, personal creations. Annual family road trips were another treasured tradition, creating memories she held close to her heart. Esther also did volunteer work within the community. She helped for many years at Feed the Children and answered a call center for people in crisis.

Above all, Esther’s life was rooted in her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She cherished time spent reading her Bible and in prayer, dedicating herself to praying for the State of Oklahoma and its spiritual renewal. She wrote numerous songs and poems inspired by her favorite Bible verses, reflecting the deep love she had for the Lord and His Word. Esther also held a special place in her heart for Native American tribes, longing to see them honored as a people and seeing their communities thrive. Her faith, compassion, and devotion to others were evident in the way she lived each day.

Esther’s greatest joy was her family. She deeply loved her daughter and granddaughter and took great pride in their accomplishments. The time she spent with them and their families was especially precious to her. Her love, prayers, creativity, and steadfast faith leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

Esther is survived by: Her daughter: Vanessa Grass and husband Scott of Shady Shores, Texas; Her granddaughter: Sierra Sterling and husband Jared of Edmond, Oklahoma; 1 brother: Ervin Penner of El Reno, Oklahoma; 1 sister: Elizabeth Goodrich of Redmond, Washington; Along with numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; 9 sisters: Frances Marie Penner, Ruby Penner, Kathrine Penner, Malinda Flynn, Ida Eva Hunter, Rosa Harp, Susanna Penner, Margaretha Mondragon, and Penny Brown; 2 brothers: Ernest Abraham Penner and Ruben Penner; and an infant daughter: Courtney Ann Thomas.

Funeral services for Esther will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at AE Funeral Services, located at 603 W. Independence Street in Shawnee, Oklahoma, with Jared Sterling officiating. Interment will follow at Hopewell Cemetery near Bethel Acres, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.LocustGroveFuneralHome.com.