Esther Duplechian

Esther Duplechian, 88, was born on September 17, 1937, in the Bays Chapel Community of Montgomery County to Hudson and Ruth Hoke Fulgham on the family homestead. She earned her high school equivalency and began working at an early age. Esther was employed by the Bryan Walmart before transferring to the Navasota location, where she faithfully worked for many years until her retirement and often held a second job to help provide for her family.

Known simply as "Mama" to those who loved her most, Esther enjoyed reading John Grisham novels and anything related to true crime. She could often be found watching Gunsmoke or Bonanza, two of her favorite television shows. Above all else, she cherished her family. She dearly loved her grandchildren, and some of her family's most treasured memories are of the annual Christmas gatherings she so enjoyed.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis Russell Duplechian; her parents, Hudson and Ruth Fulgham; and her brother, Thomas Fulgham.

She leaves behind a loving family to carry on her legacy: her children, Russell Duplechian; Carol Calfee and husband Bubba; James Duplechian and wife Michelle; Shirley Feist and husband Richard; and Steven Duplechian. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dena Douglas, Samantha Kroll, Melanie Kroll, Kristen Duplechian, Courtney Winkler, Kaylee Hernandez, Katie Feist, Emily Fojtik, Paul Feist, Nicki Ignacio, Lauren Duplechian, and David Duplechian; twelve great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other extended family members and dear friends.

Honoring Esther's life as pallbearers will be James Duplechian, Steven Duplechian, Richard Feist, Paul Feist, Paul Turner, and Tristan Millard.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Bays Chapel Methodist Church in Richards, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Bays Chapel Cemetery, where Mama will be laid to rest beside our dad. Services are under the care of Nobles Funeral Chapel.