Obituary of Ester Binns

Ester Binns passed away on November 22, 2022. Ester was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan during a blizzard in April 1926. She grew up on a farm, but always gravitated to the city. Cincinnati was where she finally felt most at home. After college she moved to Chicago, where she met her late husband, Ralph Binns. Ralph was the love of her life, and they became partners in all they did. They travelled, played golf, gardened, entertained, and laughed together. In tough times they were each other’s greatest asset. Although Ralph died 20 years ago, Ester missed him still. Ester’s love of the world was manifest in her invaluable contributions to and leadership roles with the Village Garden Club of Indian Hill, the Investment Club, the Town Club of Cincinnati, the Northeast Republican Women’s Club, the Indian Hill Women’s Civic Club, the Indian Hill Historical Society, the English–Speaking Union Cincinnati Branch, the Travel Club of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Nature Center, the Krohn Conservatory, the Walton Creek Theater, and the Cincinnati World Piano Competition. Never one to boast, Ester did more good than even her family knew. Ester had a sly wit and was skilled in practical matters, from business affairs to cooking and sewing. She loved to read and to keep up with what was going on in the world, while expressing her artistic side by gardening and arranging flowers. Ester is survived by her children Greg Binns, Pam (Steve Vestal) Binns and Darcy Binns, and her grandchildren Natalie Binns and James Vestal. She also leaves behind countless friends, all of whom she loved like family. Ester loved well, and in return was well loved. The world was lucky to have had her. A celebration of Ester’s life will be held in the Old Armstrong Chapel, 5020 Drake Road, on Thursday December 8th at 11a.m. In lieu of sending flowers please consider a gift in honor of her to Hospice of Cincinnati, The Cincinnati Nature Center, or another organization she was passionate about.