Esther Priscilla (Aguilar) Bowersox

Esther Priscilla Bowersox (Aguilar) 85, of Hammond, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones. Esther was born November 28, 1940, to Ray and Petra Aguilar in East Chicago, Indiana. She was a graduate of Washington High School. 

She began driving for Tradewinds Rehabilitation Center in 1977, and retired after 33 years of dedicated service due to a knee injury. She loved spending time with her family. When she got together with her siblings, she always had a great time with a lot of laughs, especially when margaritas were involved.

Esther's greatest accomplishment was the family she created. She spoiled her grandchildren, but when the great grand babies arrived, they could do no wrong in her eyes; she would spoil them any way she could.  She made sure they all knew where she hid the good cookies. Esther was always the life of the party. I am sure there was a huge celebration when she left us. She was the last living sibling. This is not goodbye, but I'll see you later. She will be deeply missed.

Preceded in death by her parents; Ray and Petra Aguilar; son, Edward Castile, Jr.; stepmom, Consuelo Aguilar; sisters, Delores Aguilar, Mary (Sotero) Navarro, Ernestine (Trinidad) Hernandez, Elvira (Juan) Arroyo, Marina (Dennis) Engel, Ruth (Santos) Quintanilla, Victoria (Eli) Perez; brothers, Antonio Aguilar and Ray (Lea) Aguilar; and nephew-brother, Frank (Maria) Aguilar.

Esther is survived by her loving daughter, Sandra (Todd) Becker; dedicated and devoted granddaughter and caregiver, Samantha (Rolando) Garcia; grandson, Robert May; great-grandchildren; Alainnah, Evalyse, Nyellie, Angelo and numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to Dunes Hospice for making her comfortable during this transition.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. with Funeral Services 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408. Private cremation will take place at a later date.

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