Esther Braddock

Esther (Ball) Braddock, 90 years young, passed away on April 8, 2026, following a brief illness.

Esther was the matriarch of the Braddock family and was no doubt met with open arms by her Lord and Savior and reunited with loved ones she missed so much.

Esther was born and raised in Nazareth, Texas, one of five children born to Leo and Josephine Ball. Growing up in the close-knit community of Nazareth helped shape Esther’s strong faith, work ethic, and deep love for family that would define her life.

On August 5, 1954, she married Vernon Braddock, and together they built a life centered on faith, hard work, and family, raising six sons. They shared many happy years, first on a dairy farm in Nazareth and later on ranches across North Texas, including many treasured years at Colmena Ranch in Weston. Esther embraced the life of a rancher’s wife and mother, pouring her energy into caring for her family and creating a home filled with love, laughter, and strong values.

Esther was known for her feisty spirit, quick wit, and generous heart. She had a gift for making others feel welcome and loved, and her home was always open to family and friends. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, reading, playing cards, Taco Tuesdays, and, most of all, any opportunity to gather with her family.

One of Esther’s most cherished traditions was the trips back to Nazareth, whether for a family visit, a wedding, or even a pheasant hunt. She would always find an empty back seat, crawl in, and go along, simply to be with her family and be part of the adventure. Her presence brought laughter, warmth, and a special joy to those trips. This year, and in the years to come, there will be a noticeable and heartfelt empty space, reminding all who gather just how much she meant to those who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon Braddock; her parents, Leo and Josephine Ball; her siblings, Urban, Fred, and Jim Ball; and her sons, Clifford and Richard Braddock.

Esther leaves behind a large and loving family, including her sister, Mary Kleman of Nazareth, Texas; her sons, Kenneth (Vi Ann), John (Tammy), Allen (Amy), and Kevin (Teresa); and her daughters-in-law, Kim and Mary Braddock.

She was a proud grandmother to 17 grandchildren, and her legacy continues through her 26 great-grandchildren. Her love, no doubt, will leave an indelible effect on all of them. She took great pride in watching her family grow and cherished every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She also leaves behind countless cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom share cherished—and often hilarious—memories of Esther that will continue to bring comfort and smiles for years to come.

Esther’s life was a testament to faith, resilience, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the values she instilled, and the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and remembered forever by those who knew her. While her presence will be greatly missed, her spirit, strength, and love will continue to live on through the generations she helped shape.

A rosary will be held at 9:30 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026 followed by a memorial service at 10 AM at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard Street, Denison, Texas 75020. A memorial graveside will be held at 2:30 PM Friday, April 17, 2026 at Cottage Hill Cemetery, 4111 Blaire Ave, Celina, Texas 75009.