Esther Leota Simes O’Bleness

Esther Leota Simes O’Bleness, age 102, of Oak Ridge, was born July 25, 1910, in Wheatland, Wyo., and passed away Tuesday, March 19, at Greenfield Assisted Living, where she had been a resident for many years.

She and her husband Oscar “O.E.” O’Bleness lived in many states before coming to Knoxville and then moved to Oak Ridge in the early 1950s. She and her husband eloped Aug. 6, 1928, in Pryor, Okla. They had been married 65 years at the time of his death.

Esther was a legend at Kimball’s Jewelry Store, which she managed for many years before her retirement. She was also a jewelry appraiser. Upon moving into Greenfield Assisted Living, she ran the gift shop for several years.

She and her husband were longtime active members of Trinity United Methodist Church and were involved in many of the church activities until it closed in 2008, at which time her membership was transferred to the First United Methodist Church. She was a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter #390.

Clarence Kaufman, whom she loved dearly, and his wife Dorothy, of Ohio, were very special to her and was lovingly called her “boyfriend.” When his name was mentioned, her eyes would light up, and a smile would come up on her face. The feelings were mutual.

When her son and wife lived on the Outer Banks, they decided to move to Oak Ridge to be closer to his mother. She then decided, at age 93, to buy a house two doors down from them and made the move from the retirement center to her new home. One of her friends told her that when she got “old,” she should move back to the retirement center.

Esther was known for her gracious and loving spirit, her constant smile, and ageless attitude.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Ola Simes; husband, Oscar; son, Gene; and grandson, Patrick.

She is survived by daughter-in-law, Marilyn O’Bleness of Oak Ridge; grandchildren, Michael (Tammy) O’Bleness and daughter Alexis, of Maryland, and Nancy (Greg) Bradley and daughters Allison and Rebecca, of Maryville; Edie (Daniel) Parsons and sons Devin, Noah, and Timothy, and daughter, Sara of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; former daughter-in-law, Martha Tucker and husband Russ of Alcoa; and numerous extended family and many dear friends.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Greenfield and to sitter, Shawvon.

The family will receive friends Monday, March 25, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary, with the funeral at 2 p.m. with Rev. Aldana Allen officiating. The burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

The family asks that any memorials be made to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, One East Wacker Drive, Suite 2430, Chicago, IL 60601-1905.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.