Shirley Jean Estes, 98, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away September 9, 2025.
She was born September 21, 1926 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Joseph H. and Lena C. (Martin) Arnold.
She married the love of her life, Vaughn D. Estes, on December 3, 1948. Their love was an example to all who knew them until Vaughn's passing on April 29, 2005.
Professionally, Shirley dedicated 26 years of her life to American Family Insurance, where she worked as a service supervisor. Upon retiring, Shirley channeled her energy into volunteering within her community to stay busy.
What Shirley treasured most was spending time with her family. She believed in the sanctity of family connections and delighted in the joys that came from the simple acts of being together.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Vaughn; son, Steven C. Estes; siblings, Maxine Schmitt, Margaret Corwin, Mary Anderson, Rosa Wilson and Elsie Felt.
Survivors include her son, Brian Estes (Sandy); grandchildren, Mercedes Estes (Andrew), Stephanie TenBensel Hanke, and Megan Estes; great-grandchildren, Hannah Hart, Madison Hanke, Emilee Hanke, Addisynn Estes, and Reagan Whitmore; numerous nieces and nephews.
Farewell Services 1:00 P.M. Friday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.
