Joy Marie (Shanks) Estell was born April 14, 1931 to Frank and Marcella Shanks in Spokane,
WA. She passed peacefully on February 11, 2023.
Joy lived all her life in Spokane, WA, with short stints in Grand Coulee, WA and Tacoma, WA
while her dad worked construction projects. She graduated from John R. Rogers High School.
Joy married David Estell, her high school sweetheart, on August 20, 1949 at St. Patrick Church
in Spokane. They raised 3 kids and built a life together.
Joy and David enjoyed boating at the lake and RVing across much of the western US. They
attended many social functions for family, friends, including friends from church and retired
railroad workers., Highlights included a European trip to Italy, Switzerland, France, and
England, and a few trips to Hawaii. The favorite trip was a trip to Ireland.
Joy enjoyed collecting pretty things for her house and yard. Her happy place was outside in the
garden. She loved everything about flowers and plants: planting the yard, maintaining it,
admiring it.
Mostly, Joy loved being with family and friends. Like her name, she was joyful, even when life
was tough. She is and will be missed.
Joy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a son. Joy is survived by two of her
children and their spouses, four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and
several other family members.
The family would like to express our thanks to all who helped care for and support her.