Cover photo for Carol H. Estes's Obituary
Carol

Carol H. Estes

d. December 31, 2024

Los Alamos

Carol H. Estes completed her life journey after a lengthy illness on December 31, 2024, with her beloved husband, Guy P. Estes, and her comfort cat Charolotte at her side.

Carol, the second of four children, was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Edward John and Eleanor Marie Herron. Her sisters and brother included Kathleen, Diane and Thomas. Family was extremely important to Carol, and she treasured them all.

In addition to Guy, she is survived by Kathleen Patalon and her family Willliam III, Robin, Joey, and Kathy Ann Barwick, of Maryland; Carol Ann Ruffing and daughters Jennifer of California, and Lauren of Massachusetts; Thomas R Herron, Jr, Melissa Herron and children Kailey, Kristopher and Nickolas, Krissi and husband Brian Hunt, and Dorothy Szurley/Herron and daughters Lisa, Lynn and son Richard of Pennsylvania; Robert Smith of New Mexico; Jennifer and husband Robert Mankowski of Pennsylvania; and Betty Copley Estes and family of Virginia.

Carol was predeceased by her parents and special aunt, Elizabeth Herron, parents-in-law Guy and Adrienne Estes, sister Diane and brother-in-law Walter Smith, brother Thomas Herron, Sr, brother-in-law William Patalon II, nephew-in-law William Barwick, Jr and brother-in-law Adrian Deane Estes.

Carol and Guy moved to northern New Mexico in 1978 when Guy accepted a position at Los Alamos National Laboratory. After working for the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council for a few years Carol was hired at LANL. She experienced an interesting 20 years in various positions until their early retirement that gave them more time for their favorite pursuits including small ship cruises.

A private graveside service conducted by Rev. Cannon celebrating Carol’s life will be held on Tuesday January 7th at Guaje Pines Cemetery in Los Alamos at 2 pm.

Honorary Pallbearers were nephews and nieces William Patalon III and his son Joey, Kathy Ann Barwick, Carol Ann Ruffing, Krissi and Brian Hunt, Robert Smith, and Robert Mankowski.

Local extended family included members of the Sanchez/Martinez families of San Ildefonso Pueblo. Until their move to Oppenheimer Place in Los Alamos Carol and Guy considered it a privilege to live in the shadow of Black Mesa.

Carol was a long-time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she was blessed with a rich spiritual life, contributed to church ministries, and enjoyed great fellowship.

Many thanks to Liza Sanchez Rogers for her help during Carol’s illness, LA Visiting Nurse Service, and Egis Quality Senior Home Care.

To leave messages for Carol’s family, or photos and stories, please visit www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Carol H. Estes, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Graveside Service

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Starts at 2:00 pm (Mountain time)

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