Esther Ruth Weimer

March 24 1927 - February 9 2026

On Monday, February 9, 2026, Esther Ruth Weimer of Salem, Oregon passed peacefully into the presence of God. She was 98 years old.

Esther was born on March 24, 1927 to Phillip and Marie Fries. She grew up in the farming community of Fort Morgan, Colorado with four brothers and two sisters. She is survived by the youngest, Robert Fries of Lakewood, Colorado.

Esther married her childhood sweetheart, Ruben Weimer, in 1946. They raised six children, and during those years, moved from Fort Morgan to Arizona for a couple of years, back to Colorado for about seven years, to Spokane, Washington in 1964, and then to Salem, Oregon in 1971. Ruben passed into the Lord's presence at age 48 in February 1976. Esther then worked for the Oregon Department of Revenue for twenty years until retirement.

Esther had an unshakable faith in God, faithfully living out the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. She trusted God to care for her and her family. She was faithful in prayer, and devoted as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She also loved her mother and father, brothers and sisters, her church family, and her many friends accumulated over a very long lifetime, both far and near. She especially loved babies and volunteered in the church nursery at Salem Alliance Church, where she attended for 55 years. She also supported a number of missionaries and children in other countries. She loved hearing from them and being a part of their work and lives.

Esther seemed never in a hurry and never late either. It was common to hear people say, "She's so sweet." And speaking of sweet-she loved all things chocolate, especially chocolate chip cookies, chocolate brownies, chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, … and chocolate candy.

Esther is survived by her children, Donna Liljenberg, Kathy (Bob) Grosch, Tom (Judy) Weimer, Mary (Tom) Leishman, Jan (Tim) Banick, and David Weimer, her fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, with three more expected soon, and more to come. She treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and especially delighted in holding the little ones in the family. We know she prayed for every one. She didn't get to hold the most recent great-grandson born in another state just a few months ago. She asked repeatedly when she would get to see him, right up to the last week of her life!

Esther spent her last years living in her home enjoying family and close friends. She died surrounded by loving family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 2 pm. in Cedar Hall, Salem Alliance Church, 555 Gaines St. NE, Salem, Oregon, 97301.