Mary “Esther” Ebler

1935-2021

Our precious mother, Mary “Esther” Ebler, Loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, age 85, passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021, in Albuquerque at Tender Heart Assisted Living under the influence of Hospice care.

Esther was born on October 24, 1935 in Polvadera, New Mexico, to Pablo Benavidez Sr. and Salome P. Giron. She was raised by parents Hipolito and Manuelita P. Ruiz in Polvadera. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert (Bob) Gerald Ebler, and Brother John Giron.

Esther is survived by sons: Thomas M. Ebler (Shana); Kenneth P. Ebler (Leona); Robert E. Ebler (Donna); and Alan K. Ebler, daughters: Helen F. Duran; Marilyn A. Duke; and Debbie K. Ebler; 21 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives.  Survived also by siblings Paul Benavidez (Rita), Ernestine Apodaca, Beatrice Neder, Teresa Ybarra (Deacon Mike), Frances Giron, George Giron and Nancy Martinez (Luis), sister-in-law Theresa Giron.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Esther. She loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her family. The smell of green chilies freshly roasted in her kitchen, with its smoky, sweet, spicy fragrance, nourished and comforted family and guests who were lucky enough to enjoy her cooking. Esther was immensely proud of her family and left behind nothing but beautiful memories.  As her health declined, she often repeated her anticipation of winter snow and loving visions of her deceased husband, Robert (Bob) Gerald Ebler.

We will always carry her memory in our hearts and appreciate the wondrous nature of life by remembering her warmth, generosity and delicious cooking.

A Catholic funeral was recited at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Old San Miguel Mission Catholic Church in Socorro, N.M. The final committal followed at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, November 15, 2021, at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, N.M. Esther’s care has been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield Street, Socorro, New Mexico 87801. To send flowers or leave an online tribute please go to www.danielsfuneral.com

El Defensor Chieftain