Mrs. Juanita Ross Estes, 95 of Kirksville, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at her home with her family by her side.
She was born in the Round Hill Community of Madison County on Thursday, January 10, 1929, the daughter of the late Andrew David & Ida Sanders Ross. Juanita was a member of the 1947 graduating class from Kirksville High School and was a life-long, faithful member of the Kirksville Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School Secretary for over 50 years along with various other committees. She was a member of the Boonesboro Chapter of the D.A.R.
On March 30, 1961, she was united in marriage to Charles Douglas Estes and together they shared 30 wonderful years together until his passing in 1991.
Juanita worked at Cowden’s in Lancaster for 20 years and then co-owned and operated the Estes Brothers Store for 30 years along with her late husband Doug, and in-laws, Joe & Helen Estes.
To say that Juanita was involved in, and loved, the Kirksville Community would be an understatement. Juanita, along with her late husband Doug, helped establish the Kirksville Volunteer Fire Department in 1977 – an organization that she cared very much about and was even serving as Treasurer for over 39 years until recently. She volunteered at the Kirksville Community Center for over 20 years. Her contributions to the Kirksville community will be a benefit for years to come.
Survivors include: one sister, Betty Barclay; one brother-in-law, Bill Golden; 13 nieces & nephews; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Helen R. Vance, Emma R. Swift, Bessie R. Rankin & Jacquelyn R. Golden; one brother Russell Ross, Sr.; one niece, five nephews, and her dear friend and sister-in-law, Helen Estes (best known for their peanut butter fudge).
Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 PM Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, W. Main St., Richmond, with Bro. Jerry Browing, Bro. Butch Pennington and Johny Collins officiating. Burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery.
Visitation will be after 11AM Thursday at the funeral homePallbearers will be Josh Still, Russell Golden, Broox Golden, Mike Estes, Jeremy Barclay, Andrew Vance, David Rankin, Jerry Swift & Sandra Vance.Honorary Pallbearers will be Don Moore, Mike Adkinson, Cecil Trimble, Denise Akins, Bobby & Avonda Noe, Billy Wayne Whittaker, Billy & Paulette Osborne, Patty Browning and Wilma Rhodus.
A special thank you to the Hospice Care Plus team – Madison, Sally, Kelly & Missy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kirksville Volunteer Fire Department or Hospice Care Plus.
Combs, Parsons and Collins Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.
