Helen Ester, 95, of Las Vegas formerly of DeKalb, Illinois, peacefully passed away on June 12, 2024 surrounded by loved ones, at her home in Las Vegas. 

She was born July 12, 1928 in DeKalb, Illinois, daughter of Jacob and Maria (Ojala) Panttila. She was the devoted wife of Lonnie Ester, married on June 4, 1949 in DeKalb, Illinois. 

She is survived by her daughter, Yvonne (Jake) Minneti, granddaughter, Tana Minneti and many nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Lonnie; siblings Elma (Raymond) McGlashan, Sarah (Wilhart) Luoma,  Elmer, Pat (Mary) Carey, Hilma  (Howard) Cox, Fanny (Allen) Cooper, Reino (Lorraine) Paulson, and Eino (Mary) Tucker.

Helen enjoyed singing in her church choir as well as singing at family gatherings with her siblings. She was always up for line dancing with her girlfriends and husband. Helen was also in a bowling league with friends from Micro Switch, a division of Honeywell, where she was a coordinator.

Helen & her husband loved the western life of the Southwest. They moved to Wickenburg, Arizona in 1980. They enjoyed hiking, picnics in the desert, as well as traveling the sites joined by Yvonne, Jake, and Tana. 

Helen was a kind, caring and giving woman who always put the needs of her family before her own. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. She was a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Helen will always be in our hearts and we will never forget her. Rest in peace and we will always remember your words, take the bull by the horns. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 10am. Funeral services will begin shortly after at 11am at Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 South 4th Street, DeKalb, IL 60115. Interment will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery, DeKalb. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Heart Association in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For more information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815 756-1022.