Lucy was born on March 26, 1925 in Stilwell Oklahoma to Charles and Linnie Anderson. She was one of five children: Allen, Lucy, Leonard, Florine and Sam. After the death of both of her parents at the age of 14 she moved to Michigan to live with her aunt and uncle, Vi and Jim Anderson. Michigan was a new life experience for Lucy after growing up in the small rural town of Stilwell. She graduated from high school with honors and had plans to attend the University of Michigan. Being homesick for her family and true home in the hills of Oklahoma she went home for a visit to Stilwell. She didn’t return to Michigan like she thought she would, but moved to Los Angeles, California to join her brother, Allen and other relatives to begin a new life. Her Oklahoma boyfriend, Rex Estes, living in Los Angeles was certainly another draw to the Golden State. On January 24, 1944 Lucy married her handsome sweetheart, Rex Estes. They were married 58 years. Lucy spent most of her working career with Dri Lite Foods/Backpackers Pantry a company catering to the food needs of the backpacking world. She formulated recipes and managed packaging and distribution. In July of 1980 Lucy and Rex relocated to Redding, California with her job at Dri Lite. In 1992 after twenty seven years with Dri Lite she retired and she and Rex moved to Overland Park, Kansas to live near their daughter and her family. Life in the Midwest started another adventure for Lucy. Like all her days in California she made her family and church the center of her life. She loved God first and foremost and her family, church family and friends were always the focal point of her life. For twenty years she was the Sunday School Administrator at her church in California and wherever she attended church she was involved in Sunday school programs, Bible studies and women’s ministry activities. On August 17th 2015 Lucy would leave Overland Park, Kansas with her daughter and son-in-law to live in Austin, Texas. On August 18, 2015 Lucy would become a resident at Longhorn Village living out the rest of her days in Casa Mesquite. There she was lovingly cared for by a staff that is second to none who she often referred to as “her best friends.” Many thanks and appreciation to everyone at Longhorn Village who made Lucy’s days safe, comfortable, peaceful and as enjoyable as they possibly could be.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Estes, sons Ronald and Roger Estes and three siblings. She is survived by her brother, Sam Anderson/Martha of Big Cabin, Oklahoma, daughter, Bonita Litizzette /Joe of Austin, Texas; daughter-in-law Vicki Estes of Grants Pass, Oregon; granddaughters Stephanie Mixon/Mark of Houston, Texas, Nicole Litizzette Witzel/Brandon of Austin, Texas, Brandy Estes of Grants Pass Oregon, April Meehan/Steve of Lompoc, California and Melanie Estes of Grants Pass Oregon, eleven great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews and one son of the heart, Steven Dillick of Bossier City, Louisianna.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. August 22, 2020 at Weed-Corley-Fish Event Center 411 Ranch Rd. 620 S. Lakeway, Texas. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Cypress, California
