Esther Gil Phillips

Nana Esther, a cherished matriarch, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, leaving a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family. Born in Lluvia de Oro, Chihuahua, Mexico, Esther carried her Tarahumara indigenous roots with pride throughout her life. As a young single mother, she made the courageous decision to leave Mexico as an undocumented immigrant, seeking a better life for herself and her daughter in the United States.

In Yuma, Arizona, Esther met her first husband, Ernesto Zermeño. Together, they welcomed two beautiful children into the world, creating a loving home filled with laughter and warmth. Their commitment to family extended beyond their own children; they opened their hearts and home to a niece and three nephews from Mexico, adopting them and making countless sacrifices to ensure the children had the opportunities they deserved.

Nana Esther was a woman of immense strength and resilience, who, despite having a limited education, instilled in her family the importance of learning and perseverance. She believed that education was the key to a brighter future and worked tirelessly to support her children in their pursuits. Esther set an example by obtaining her GED in her 50’s and obtaining her US citizenship.

An enthusiastic cook, Esther found joy in preparing meals for her family and friends, often gathering everyone around the table to share stories and laughter. Her happiest moments were at her beautiful ranch she shared with her husband Bob Phillips in Somerton, Arizona.

Known for her vibrant spirit and sense of humor, Esther brought joy to every gathering. She had a deep appreciation for nature, often stopping to admire flowers and plants, which brought her immense happiness. She instilled pride in her children and grandchildren.

Nana Esther’s legacy of love, generosity, and caring for others will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her. Nana Esther is survived by daughters Alicia Zermeño (Jesus Ramon Valenzuela) and Esther Zermeño Harris; sons David Zermeño (John Caurso), César Lendo, Reynaldo Zermeño, and José Ángel Zermeño; grandchildren Diana Aguirre (Jason Fackler and Zissou), Helena Aguirre (Prescilla Gonzales), Sonja Zermeño, and Delia Zermeño (Anthony Acosta), Tyanna Harris and Don Harris. Nana Esther also leaves great-grandchildren: Olivia Rose Aguirre, Rafael Silva, Jr., Anthony Foster, and Isabella Ramos.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Phillips, beloved son Robert “Bobby” Zermeño and her daughter Sonia Lopez Lendo.

A visitation will be held on May 31, 2025, at 10:00 am at Johnson Mortuary Chapel, located at 1415 S. First Avenue, Yuma, Arizona, 85364. The chapel service will follow at the same location at 11:00 am.

A graveside service is scheduled for 12:00 pm at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, in the Garden of Devotion, also located at 1415 S. First Avenue, Yuma, Arizona, 85364.

A reception will take place from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm in the Magnolia and Azalea Rooms at Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1415 S. First Avenue, Yuma, Arizona, 85364, US.