Esther Billings
December 18th, 1934 - March 30th, 2026
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Esther's Obituary
Esther M. Billings, 91, of Eau Claire, passed away on Monday afternoon, March 30, 2026, at The Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac, MI.
She was born on December 18, 1934, in Naylor, MO, the daughter of Edward D. and Florence M. (McCollum) Street. On December 24, 1952, she was united in marriage to Evan S. Billings, who preceded her in death on May 7, 2024.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; two siblings, two grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and one son-in-law.
Ester leaves behind four children, Karen (Ralph) Benzino of Colorado, Carol Hessey of Bangor, Thomas Billings of St Ignace, and Evelyn Phillips of Decatur; seven grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Known for her talented work in the ceramic business, Esther held ceramic classes in the basement of her home for over 25 years, where she taught others the art of painting including letting her grandchildren take part in their own creations. Mostly noted for her meticulous detail in bringing her ceramics to life. She enjoyed annual trips to the UP to visit family.
Esther was the rock of keeping the home together as she took the responsibility of providing childcare to her many grandkids, from cooking meals to getting them on the school bus. Spaghetti was always requested for dinner, but an egg sandwich was a must before getting on the school bus. Ester was blessed to have had a sound mind through her end days enabling her to make the decision on her own to move forward into her next journey. She will be remembered and missed dearly.
Honoring Esther’s wishes, cremation has taken place and her family will be celebrating her life privately.
Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac.
Those wishing to share a memory or leave condolences are invited to visit Esther’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
She was born on December 18, 1934, in Naylor, MO, the daughter of Edward D. and Florence M. (McCollum) Street. On December 24, 1952, she was united in marriage to Evan S. Billings, who preceded her in death on May 7, 2024.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; two siblings, two grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and one son-in-law.
Ester leaves behind four children, Karen (Ralph) Benzino of Colorado, Carol Hessey of Bangor, Thomas Billings of St Ignace, and Evelyn Phillips of Decatur; seven grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Known for her talented work in the ceramic business, Esther held ceramic classes in the basement of her home for over 25 years, where she taught others the art of painting including letting her grandchildren take part in their own creations. Mostly noted for her meticulous detail in bringing her ceramics to life. She enjoyed annual trips to the UP to visit family.
Esther was the rock of keeping the home together as she took the responsibility of providing childcare to her many grandkids, from cooking meals to getting them on the school bus. Spaghetti was always requested for dinner, but an egg sandwich was a must before getting on the school bus. Ester was blessed to have had a sound mind through her end days enabling her to make the decision on her own to move forward into her next journey. She will be remembered and missed dearly.
Honoring Esther’s wishes, cremation has taken place and her family will be celebrating her life privately.
Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac.
Those wishing to share a memory or leave condolences are invited to visit Esther’s personalized webpage at www.clarkch.com.
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