Esther Irene Drake Sanders, born on February 15, 1944, in Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
In 1988, Esther married Ronnie Sanders and later moved to Belmont, Mississippi, where she built a life filled with family, friends, and the animals she loved so dearly.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Drake and Irene Drake; her grandson, Eric Palmer; and her granddaughter, Porsche Irving.
Known by many as a horse whisperer and a dog whisperer, Esther had a remarkable gift for understanding and caring for animals. She was a lifelong horse lover and spent 18 years showing horses with her children. Esther was also a pioneer in Northeast Mississippi, becoming the first person in the area to own a white Doberman. Her passion for the breed led her to raise Dobermans for more than 50 years, sharing her knowledge and love of the dogs with countless people.
Esther’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Sanders; her children, Theresa Calton, Melvin Calton, Tina Calton, Pamela Roberson, Melissa Welch, Dorthy Rebecca Hearn and Michelle Lee Wright. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Andrea Calton, Calton Roberson, Christopher Morgan, Adam Morgan, Mercedes Morgan, Harley Irving, Brandon Welch, and Kelsey Welch, along with several beloved great-grandchildren.
A special thank you to the beautiful souls who cared for her during the last several months of her life – Adam Morgan, Melissa Welch, and Corral Woodruff. Their dedication, kindness, and gentle care brought comfort to Esther and peace to those who loved her. We will always be grateful for the love and support they shared with her.
Esther will be remembered for her strength, her deep love of animals, her adoration for the plants and flowers that filled her life the past few years, her dedication to her family, and the kindness she shared with everyone who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she loved so dearly.
Forever loved, forever remembered.
Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS assisted the family.
