Jean Joan Estes

Jean Joan Estes, 86, of Olathe, KS, passed away Friday, August 2, 2019. Visitation will be held at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 1pm-2pm with the funeral service following immediately after. Graveside burial will be held at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Olathe immediately after the service.


Joan was born February 11, 1933 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Ted and Alice Main. She graduated from Lafayette high school in St. Joseph, Missouri in 1950. Joan married Donald Estes March 7, 1953. They had one daughter together, Christine. Joan worked for Olathe District Schools in the food service department at Fairview Elementary School. Joan sold Avon for over ten years which gave her the opportunity to get out of the house, interact with people, and earn some extra money. She then went on to work as a Clerk of the District Court at the Johnson County Courthouse for 25 years until she retired. She was beloved by all she interacted with.


Joan was an avid sports enthusiast. She loved to watch any kind of sport on t.v., whether it be football, golf or basketball! She especially loved K.U. basketball and was their biggest fan! Joan also loved to collect coins. When anyone had coins, she would ask to see them in hopes of swapping out her newer coins for your older ones. Joan and her husband, Don, also loved to travel and loved collecting rocks from their travels. Once, while on vacation, Don, pulled over onto the shoulder of the road to search for rocks. They found a huge lava rock, brought it home and gave it to their daughter, Christine. Joan also loved animals. Especially her dogs (Suzy, Dee Dee, Heidi, Itsy, and Jenny), two cats (John and Missy) and anything relating to Dachshunds (so much so that she has a huge collection of Dachshund memorabilia). She was an avid garage-saler and loved the weekly adventure of what treasures she could find. She was the best negotiator.


Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, her brother-in-law, Don Ulsh, and her parents, Ted and Alice Main. She is survived by her daughter, Christine Plummer (Robert), Grand children, Chad Plummer and Jennifer Patterson (Keith), great grandchildren, Katelyn Krueger-Plummer, Kylie Krueger-Plummer, Serenity Plummer, Donovan Plummer, Jaiden Patterson, Slade Patterson, Marshall Patterson, Great-Great grandchildren, Malaena Herriford, Emma Herriford, Elijaha Herriford, and Diyamonte Herriford, Jr.


Joan has a sister, Mary Lee Ulsh, a niece Karla Harter (Dennis), and great nieces and nephews.


In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wayside Waifs.






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