Janet Alice Estes

Janet Alice Estes (Godfrey), age 87, of Bakersfield, California, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on March 3, 2026.

She was born on October 9, 1938, in Dinuba, California as Janet Alice Godfrey to Robert Garland Godfrey and Minnie Helena Godfrey (Janzen). Janet was married to her beloved husband of 50 years, Leo Ray Estes, who preceded her in death in 2006. She was also preceded in death by four brothers, Robert, Ralf, Raymond, and Ronald Godfrey.

Janet was a devoted and loving mother to four daughters: Suzanne Marriott; Alice Wages and her husband, Bill; Valerie Hochstetler and her husband, Rod; and Lea Goossen and her husband, Doug.

She was a cherished grandmother to Jason and Joy Marriott, Brandon and Megan Marriott, Mitchell Hochstetler, Emily Hochstetler, Austin and Elisa Hochstetler, Lydia Hochstetler, Joelle Goossen, Samanthah and Joel Towarak, and Jeremiah and Emma Goossen. Along with her 5 great-granddaughters: Maddie, Marissa, Josie, and Amilia, and Charlee Marriott.

Janet loved Jesus and walked with Him all of her life, faithfully sharing her faith with many. Her Christian faith shaped who she was and how she lived. She was deeply involved in her church wherever she lived and found great joy in serving the Lord and others.

She dedicated her life to caring for her family and making her home a place of peace, comfort and hospitality. Janet welcomed friends and family with open arms and a loving heart, creating a warm and safe place for all who entered.

Janet was an artist, gifted in many crafts. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, crocheting, painting, canning and candle making and so much more. She delighted in using her creativity to bless others. Her hands were rarely still, and her creations were reflections of her love. She also supported her daughters serving as a leader for Brownies, Campfire, 4-H, Awana, Good News Club, Bible Study Leader, and as a Sunday School Superintendent. In her later years she enjoyed being a member of Crafty Ladies and the Quilt Guild in Tehachapi.

She will be remembered as easy to talk to, gentle, loving, and deeply caring. Her life was a quiet testimony of faith, kindness, and devotion to those she loved.

Though she will be greatly missed, her family rejoices in knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior, reunited with her beloved husband, and at peace.

In lieu of flowers people can donate to EFCA Reach Global Tabitha Centers. https://give.efca.org/now Designation Tabitha Center 2200-5414 memorial.