Gay Darlene Estle

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Gay Darlene Estle, age 87, on November 5, 2025, in Bakersfield, CA. Gay was born May 10, 1938, in Santa Cruz, CA to Robert and Joy Buckley; she was an only child.

Gay was married to Donald Estle for 12 years and gave birth to 4 children, Dawn Estle, Holly DiBenedict, Melodie Everest and Kyle Estle, who she raised as a single hard-working mother. She had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she loved deeply. She was a mother, grandmother, Nama and great grandma who never missed a birthday or a chance to say how much she loved them and was proud of them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Joy Buckley as well as her eldest daughter Dawn Estle.

She loved her horses and was an avid rider and traveled as a child taking part in many shows and competitions. Gay worked as a clerk for Buckley's Feed and Supplies and Bugni Brothers where she continued her love of helping the farmers and ranchers in the Kern County area.

Her services are scheduled for November 22, 2025, with the following timeframes:

10:00am to 1:00pm – Viewing in the Chapel

1:00pm to 2:00pm – Graveside Services

Greenlawn Northeast Chapel and Cemetery, 3700 River Blvd., Bakersfield, CA