Esther Mae Toney, age 81 of Collins, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines. Esther was born on May 19, 1944, in Lacona, Iowa, the daughter of Paul and Vera (Caldwell) Samson. She attended Southeast Warren High School and was united in marriage to James Edward Toney on June 11, 1961.

Esther worked at the Newton Correctional Facility, retiring in 2006. She enjoyed home renovations, crafting, and traveling, spending many winters in Texas. Most of all, Esther cherished her role as a grandmother, always finding joy in her family and the memories they created together.

Esther is survived by her children, William "Bill" (Kari) Toney of Keizer, Oregon, David (Molly) Toney of Collins, Dennis (Chelly) Toney of Colo, Patricia (Eric) Bruxvoort of Bondurant, and Robert (Megan) Toney of Collins; 16 grandchildren, Brittany (Nick) Meltzer, Druid Toney, Kathryn (Matt) Deugan, Devan Toney, Kristine (Derek) Bittick, Dominic (Rachel) Toney, Zachary Toney, Jonathan Toney, Kimberly Bruxvoort, Bryan Toney, Melissa (Kody) Wood, Kayla Toney, Kai (Zach) Bruxvoort, Autmn Toney, Dylan Toney and Ellie Toney and 13 great-grandchildren, Kairi Toney, Owen Toney, Fawkes Toney, Magnus-Oliver Wood, Gavin Darr, Aiden Darr, Elizabeth Darr, Emma McCann, Violet Meltzer, Amelia Meltzer, Remi Meltzer, Lucas Deugan and Evelyn Bittick. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her sisters, Velma Shepherd and Vera Pauline Samson; and her brothers, Delbert "Buddy" Samson and Larry Samson.

Esther's legacy lives on through her devoted family and the many lives she touched. She will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, and unwavering love for her family.

The visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. Her funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026, also at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Collins Evergreen Cemetery in Collins. A reception will follow the burial at the Collins Community Center in Collins.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the arrangements for Esther. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.