Esther Jean Reynolds

Esther Torbert Reynolds, 98, left this earth to be with her husband and son on July 21, 2026. Esther Jean was born March 19, 1928, in Malta, Ohio, the beloved daughter of Arthur Torbert and Gladys Williams Torbert. Esther grew up in McConnelsville, Ohio, where her father was a respected probate judge. In college, Esther met and later married Eugene C. Reynolds and gave birth to their only child, son Jeffrey Alan. After several moves around the country while Gene obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, they finally settled in El Paso, Texas, in 1958. As Gene began his storied career teaching speech and debate at Texas Western College, Esther also earned her BBA. But in 1966, Gene’s career was tragically cut short, and Esther was widowed at 38. That same year, their son Jeffrey and his debate partner Bob Malone won the state UIL Championship in Debate. With Jeff in college, Esther left El Paso to start a new life and career in Miami, FL. Esther was soon hired by the IRS and quickly worked her way through the ranks as an auditor and finally as an appeals officer in the Miami region. After an illustrious career, she retired and returned to El Paso in 1989. Throughout her life, Esther stood up and spoke up for those less fortunate, and for decades, she sponsored and supported Navajo youth in New Mexico. After losing her son in 2007, her strength and resilience kept her going. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Torbert of McConnelsville, OH; cousins Cynthia Lynn, Suzi Lynn Kline, and Chrys Lynn of Washington, and Deedee Moore of Tennessee; and her devoted former daughter-in-law and lifelong friend, Jeanne Creel. Graveside service will be held Thursday, August 20, at 11 a.m. at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the local Salvation Army or the Humane Society of El Paso—services provided by Sunset Funeral Homes—Northeast.