Joyce Ruth Estes

1933 - 2024

Joyce Ruth Estes

March 16, 1933 - April 20, 2024

Carmichael, California - Joyce was born in 1933 to Clyde and Ruth (Stutting) Arnold and grew up in Exeter, California.

She graduated from Exeter Union High School class of 1951 and went on to attend Fresno State College. In 1958, she married Eugene Estes. They moved to Carmichael in 1968 where she remained for over five decades. Joyce retired from American River Hospital after a 47-year career as a medical technologist. She maintained lifelong friendships with her 'lab girls'.

Joyce was a leader in her community, but she'd never tell you that. In her teenage years she participated in Rainbow Girls and volunteered for the Red Cross. In her college days she threw every bridal shower for her Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Throughout her professional career she held a variety of offices for the California Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists and numerous other community organizations. Joyce exemplified service, and she made it fun.

Joyce's retirement was marked by travel opportunities to destinations like Russia, Turkey, and Japan as well as her insistence on comparing every cup of tea to these places when she returned. A strong supporter of the arts and long-time season ticket holder to Music Circus, Joyce attended the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee every Memorial Day weekend for 30 years. Joyce delighted in sharing this love with her family and fostering a similar appreciation in them.

Since 1981, Joyce has been a member at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. There with her friends, Joyce lived her golden years, an icon of the St. Mark's community. She was "Kitchen Queen", often found scooping ice cream with smiles and a laugh. She'd be first to take home and launder the towels.

Joyce never missed a holiday with a card, always had a witty comment, and leaves behind a legacy of love and humor. Her family already miss her (daily) calls and sing-song voicemails of "Call your (grand-)mother!"

She is survived by her brother Wesley of Carmichael; sons Tim (Alisa) of Rio Verde and Scott (Edie) of Renton; three grandchildren David (Kona), Katie (Bjorn), Emily (Andy); and four great-grandchildren Jeremy, Hazel, Marcella, and Frances. She also leaves behind two nephews, their spouses, and her great-nieces along with many beloved friends who treasure her memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Mark's United Methodist Church on June 1st at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Joyce by making a donation to Family Promise of Sacramento.