Esther G. Hayden-Shamblin

1931 - 2025

Esther G. Hayden-Shamblin, 94, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025. Born on March 29, 1931, in
Wilkes, North Carolina, Esther was the beloved daughter of the late James and Ada (Miller) Mullins.
Esther's early years were filled with adventure as the family relocated often due to her parents' work.
These travels led her and her seven siblings to settle in Bristol, Tennessee where she graduated from high
school.
In 1964, Esther moved her family to Okmulgee, Oklahoma, in support of her husband's career in
advertising. She worked as a teller at Citizen's Bank in Okmulgee and later at Morris State Bank. Her last
career stop, before retiring, was as an administrator for the Muscogee Creek Nation's Housing Authority.
Esther, and family, settled on what became known as the "Hayden & Sons Ranch," a place filled with
love, laughter, and the unmistakable aroma of her legendary biscuits. So renowned were her biscuits that
her husband, Tom, proudly added a subscript on the exit side of the sign that hung over ranch's entrance
gate that read, "Biscuits are always in the oven."
Feisty and full of life, Esther loved to laugh, dance, and brought joy wherever she went. A true girly girl,
she had a lifelong passion for fashion - always well put together with an eye for detail. Her home was a
reflection of her many talents, decorated with care and creativity. A gifted crafter, she made beautiful
handmade dolls and surrounded herself with things that brought her joy. She collected Frankoma Pottery
and Beanie Babies.
Esther was also a talented singer and a faithful member of the church choir wherever she chose to
worship. Her voice and spirit added beauty to every congregation she joined.
Esther is preceded in death by her parents James and Ada, husbands Howard Hagy, Tom Hayden, and
John Shamblin, siblings Ella Sue, Raymond, Doris, Yvonne, Francis, Ethie, and Bathel and two great
grandchildren Hayden Callaway and McKinley McGirt. She is survived by her sons Devon Hagy, Dennis
Hagy and wife Barbara, Garry Hagy, Mike Hagy and wife Shelly, and ten grandchildren, twenty-seven
great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
She lived life with heart, humor and faith - always ready with a song, a story, or food, a biscuit if you
were lucky. Esther will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Visitation will be 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home
Chapel. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the McClendon-Winters
Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Robbie Bowen officiating. Interment will follow at Okmulgee
Cemetery. Casket bearers will be Matt Hagy, Wade Carter, Kenny Dalton, JP Hagy, Eli Hagy and JD
Hagy.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Esther's Tribute Page of our
website. www.mcclendon-winters.com