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Esther Deon Ganz
02/14/1952 — 12/10/2021
From Richland Wa
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Funeral
1124 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA 99352
Esther Deon Ganz
Esther Deon Ganz, 69, passed away December 10th, 2021 in Richland, WA. She
was born February 14th, 1952 to Esther A. Mills and Jesse D. Hollis Jr. on Edwards
Air Force Base in California.
At a young age Dee came to live with her Aunt Juanita and Uncle Omar “Merle” in
Richland. At 18 years of age Dee married Ronald Gaines and they had 5 children
together. During that time she committed her life to her children and helping at
their grade school. However, her “kids” didn’t just stop at the 5 she birthed. She
was “Mom” to so many more. Dee always had an open door to all her children,
stepchildren and all their friends. Furthermore, once you were family or one of
her kids you were forever. She loved fiercely and would do anything for her
family.
After being widowed in 2002, Dee found love again in her childhood sweetheart
Daniel Ganz. They committed to each other on February 14th, 2004. They spent
the next 17 years together helping raise grandchildren, traveling, camping,
rescuing senior dogs and loving their combined families. They never again wanted
to be apart. When Dan passed December 9th, 2021 Dee was also in the hospital
with COPD complications. She passed just hours later.
Dee was preceded in death by both her parents, 2 husbands Ronald Gaines and
Daniel Ganz, a daughter Angela Steffenson, Aunt Juanita, Uncle Merle, 2
grandchildren and a great grandchild.
Dee is survived by her children Ronald (J’Neane), Kelly (Jason), Jerry (Kinda), Mike
(Jasmine), Cathy, Les (Kirsten), Carl (Kathy), Amber (Roger), Shevelle, Daniel, many
siblings, cousins, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Rest in Peace to the closest cousin I ever had. We spent many good times together and lots of “girl ” talks in our teens. We lived too far apart to see each frequently but seen each other when we could and would talk on the phone and then text. I read her obituary and know that it is true about Deon loving all her kids and their friends so much. I am praying for the whole family. God Bless my sweet cousin, you will be greatly missed.
You will be greatly missed
Dee, though we only officially met recently, we merely picked up on a conversation we’d started in a previous lifetime. It wasn’t just that you reminded me so much of Rene, or that I’d grown up hearing Aunt Esther speak of you so often; or even that you had a heart big enough to include every little old doggie that needed a home.
No, it was more than that, and love had everything to do with it. Thank you and Dan for staying in touch with Amber, Barney, and I. We will all miss you both; you were family to all of us.
On a good note, I also think of all the little tails that are now wagging at the Rainbow Bridge. Lucky them:).
Dee, I will miss you so much. We were such good friends for so many years. Had many good times working together at L&C. The world won’t be the same without you. Love and prayers to all the families.
I have been blessed in being brought into this family by Dan and Dee. They always showed me love and treated myself and my kids as family even after my divorce. I feel I large hole in my heart at your passing. However am so happy that you will be together forever it is a true dream to fond a love like you guys have.
My Sincere condolences to the Gaines and Ganz family. Deon and Dan were a very dear and special couple, I met them through their love of senior small dogs, they had so much love and big hearts. I regret not making the time to drop by when she asked me to pop in to visit. They both will be missed terribly. Rest in Peace together in eternal love and grace. God Bless
I miss you, dear friend. It hurts my heart that we weren’t able to have our big night out at Olive Gardens, the four of us. Many years friends. Lots of great memories. I hold you in my heart forever. Prayers for comfort and strength to your families and treasured friends.
Deon I will miss you so much, we have been so much more than just best friends, we were sisters. To the Gaines and Ganz Families I am truly sorry for the loss of Deon and Dan they both were amazing people, I loved them both very much. I am sending my love and hugs to the families.
I had the honor of being her neighbor on the north side for 27 years and have admired her beautiful roses from Spring to Fall. I will really miss her wonderful personality.
Guestbook for
Esther Deon Ganz