Esther Ruth Caulkins, 91, entered into eternal life with our Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Esther was born on May 29, 1935, in Stamford, NY to Carolina (Muzquiz) and Harry Dunham. She graduated from South Kortright Central School in 1953. Esther worked at the Watervliet Arsenal and then the NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services for 22 years. "Aunt Esther" was the matriarch of her extended family, generous to a fault and beloved by all. She was always there to help a family member or friend when needed. She loved spreading joy to others one box of Godiva chocolate at a time! Her love of gift giving brightened every family celebration. Esther always looked her best, especially her beautiful hair, styled by Kelly, her stylist & friend for 30 plus years. A perfectionist, Esther loved sewing, painting, Classical music, dancing, flowers, and cake! Most of all, her greatest love was her incredibly close family. Esther was predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years: William T. Caulkins; her siblings: Amparo Coons, Gerardo Dunham, and Josephine Fuller; and grandson: Matthew Mangan. She is survived by her loving and devoted daughter and son-in-law: Brenda Lee and Patrick Mangan; grandchildren: Vanessa and Michael; niece: Rebecca (Barry) Gray; great-grandchildren: Valentina Mattea, Nina and Manny. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their children including Zachary, Shane, and Rachael Gray and Alyssa Coons. A visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC 134 River Street, Middleburgh, NY 12122. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 11 Wells Avenue, Middleburgh, NY 12122. Interment will follow in Breakabeen Cemetery.

Esther's family kindly requests memorial contributions in her honor be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital at https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9318306&fr_id=154020&pg=personal