Memorial to Kitty Estes

As you’ve probably heard, Kitty passed away at 5:00 am Mon., Oct. 22. Because of scheduling conflicts, we had the funeral on rather short notice - Wed., Oct. 24. We held a 4:00 pm Memorial Service at the high school auditorium, primarily for the many young people who knew Kitty and wanted to show their respects. It was attended by 400 to 500 people. Several years ago Kitty started a DARE choir, the only one in the nation. So 120 former DARE choir members sang a beautiful number, followed by the high school band which played one number also. The priest, who was very close to Kitty and Ted, gave a wonderful tribute to her, and a young teacher friend sang a beautiful solo. One of the most moving parts of the service was a presentation by the physical education teacher at her school in which he portrayed his last conversation with Kitty. The service concluded with a computer slide show Docia made which included old photographs, music, etc.

At 6:00 pm a formal funeral service was held at the church. Again there was an overflow crowd. Kitty and her priest Steve Wilson had planned the entire service. It was a "high church" Episcopal service, including communion. The priest, a dynamic young man of about 35, did a wonderful job of describing Kitty, including considerable humor, and her long battle with cancer. Following a reception in the parish hall, the family went to the columbarium outside the church where her ashes were interred.

The outpouring of love and concern has been unprecedented! The local paper, the Carthage Press, devoted almost two full pages to her, including the entire front page. Thanks to Don Singleton, President of the Tulsa Computer Society, you can view this by going to http://tcs.org/kitty on the Internet. Gorgeous flowers, abundant food, and notes of condolence by the hundreds have poured in. Many - we don’t have a report yet - are contributing to the Kitty Estes Scholarship Fund at the Carthage R-9 Foundation, P.O. Box 1026, Carthage, MO 64836. We hope to secure a permanent fund of $10,000 which will then provide a scholarship of $500 each year to a deserving Carthage student.

We apologize for not writing sooner but we have been so busy with funeral arrangements, preparing the slide show, receiving guests and visiting with family that we just simply have not had time! (Kitty’s sister Kari and family came from Denver and her brother Mark and wife came from Hawaii. They all left this morning.) We plan to stay another week or so to help Ted with "thank you" notes, finalizing business affairs, etc.

We were all terribly saddened by Kitty’s death but it is good that she is no longer lying in the hospital bed struggling to breathe. The truth is, we did most of our grieving over the past six months when we knew she was terminal. Throughout the entire time, Kitty had the most wonderful attitude you can imagine. Docia has been unbelievably strong. She was at Kitty’s side almost the entire time, including the final moments. I must get her home for some rest. Docia’s sister Marsha’s moving here has been and will continue to be an enormous blessing. She has always been like a second mother to Docia’s kids.

Finally, THANKS to all of you for your prayers, your cards, your phone calls, and the many other expressions of love and concern. We know we can never repay you but please know that your love and support have made it all easier to bear. We hope to see you soon!