Esther Laura Mares

Esther, Mom, Gramz, Great-Grandma was ,and is, the spiritual foundation of our family.

She loved God and her family. She also loved gardening, roses and watching her 700 Club. She also liked reading her daily newspaper.

Her smile was infectious and always sincere. She especially loved spending time with family and friends.

Esther was born in Riverside and was one of 7 children. She was the last surviving sibling and deeply missed her husband of over 49 years, Nick, who passed away in 2003.

Esther is survived by her three children--Nancy (Richard) Irwin, Steve (Miriam) Mares, and David (Veronica) Mares, her six grandchildren--Matthew (Jessica) Irwin, Kristen (Kyle) McKee, Nicholas Mares, Catherine Mares, Michael Mares and Steven (Marissa) Mares. She was also blessed with four great grandchildren--Adam Irwin , Madison Irwin, Hannah McKee and Elijah McKee.

After her stroke, one of Esther's greatest joys was to receive a kiss from each of her great grandchildren on Taco Tuesdays at her house and hear each one of them say "I love you" before she went off to bed for the evening.

As a family, we also want to thank all of Esther's extended family members, friends and caregivers for their friendship, compassion, thoughtfulness and love over the years.

A funeral service for Esther will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92504. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518.