Catherine Diane Estes was born on June 30, 1944 in Yuma, Arizona and passed away on January 2, 2016 in her home in Oak Harbor, WA. Shortly after birth she moved to Southern California where she grew up on the sandy beaches and the surf. She moved to Oak Harbor, WA in 1979 where she lived the remainder of her life. She was the oldest of three children and was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Frances Simon of Escondido, California and her brother David Simon and sister Peggy Rawlins.

She loved her family very much and cherished her grandchildren. Her favorite times were doing activities with her family and friends. The beach was always her favorite place to be whether in Southern California, or on Whidbey Island; she loved the water; loved being by and in the ocean.

She married a Navy man Robert Estes in the early 70s and was stationed at several ports including Midway Island, where she took up ceramics and made many things that we still cherish.

When her kids were growing up, Cathie was a very active in both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She started a Cub Scout pack when there was not one available for her kids to join. She advanced through scouting activities and training and went to Woodbadge, the highest level of Scout Leadership training available. She also received the Silver Beaver award for distinguished service to Boy Scouts of America.

She was active with her daughter in 4-H with both their love of animals and horses. She loved to see Bonni compete in barrel riding competitions.
In her youth, she was a Drum Majorette and baton twirler who had the opportunity to showcase her talents in the Rose Parade. Her career included things such as a Mom, bookkeeper, chef, administrative assistant and community volunteer. After retiring from Oak Harbor School District Transportation Department, Cathie earned her BA in Early Childhood Development from the University of Washington in 1994. She was an active member of AAUW.

Additionally, she was active in Friends of the Library, Habitat for Humanity and children’s ministry at First United Methodist Church. She especially loved her reading group and how it exposed her to books she would not have read on her own. She volunteered for anything and everything she could that involved her great grandchild Madison.
Cathy is survived by her son Pat and Karen Estes and their three children, Lizzy, Timmy and Joey of Nine Mile Falls, WA. Her Son Mike and Dana Estes and their 4 boys, Tommy, Kenny, Jacob and Nathan of Denton, TX. Her daughter Bonni and Michael Estes-Briggs of Yakima and her grandchild Jessica Estes of Oak Harbor whom she raised. Additional Grandchildren KC and Naomi Shephard of eastern WA, and her great grandchild Madison of Oak Harbor also survive.

Memorial services for Cathy will be held on Saturday January 9th at 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church, Oak Harbor with Rev. Dr. Vonna Thomas officiating.

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