Kathleen Ann "Kathy" Estling
June 05, 2019
Kathleen Ann “Kathy” Estling, 66, went to her Savior on Wednesday June 5, 2019. Kathy died in a tragic car accident as she and husband Ken were returning to Iowa from a vacation in Alabama. The accident occurred near Scooba, Mississippi.
A Memorial Service for Kathy will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 3857 East 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA, on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a luncheon at the church following services. Burial of Kathy’s cremains will occur at Santiago Cemetery following the luncheon. A memorial visitation will be held at the church on East 42nd Street on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Kathy was born on February 5, 1953, in Des Moines, IA, the daughter of Gerald “Pat” and Elsie Ross. She grew up on a farm near Bondurant, and graduated from Bondurant-Farrar High School in 1971. Kathy was married to Ken Estling on June 4, 1978. Their 41-year marriage was blessed with two sons.
Kathy graduated from Grandview University in Des Moines with her BS in Nursing in 1989. She spent most of her life working as a Registered Nurse at Mercy Medical Center, and retired on January 24, 2019. She was well known for her care, compassion, and thoroughness of treating her patients. She always loved dedicating her life to the care of others, including her family. Her smile always seemed to brighten the room. Kathy had an innate ability to carry on an animated conversation. Kathy was very passionate about the care of her pets, including her show horses, cats, and dog.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Kenneth Estling of Altoona; her two sons: Chris (Dr. Jessica) Estling of Stow, Ohio; and Kyle Estling of Altoona; Her parents: Gerald “Pat” and Elsie Ross of Bondurant; Her five siblings: Joan (Dr. Nick) McKinney of Fairhope, AL; Cheryl (Dr. Zane) Craig of Millersburg, OH; Stephen (Jorene) Ross of Bondurant, IA; Melanie Follett, of Johnston, IA; David (Kristi Haughenbury) Ross of Bondurant, IA, and her 2 Grandchildren: Aveline and Wilson Estling.
Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be directed to: Hope Lutheran Church.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
nancy schrum
06/08/2019
We are all shocked to hear of the passing of our dear friend and neighbor. My boys grew up with Kyle and Chris. All of us are heart broken. John and Matthew just played golf with Kyle. My heart goes out to you, Ken and your family. You and Kathy were wonderful examples for our children and the town of Altoona. Both of you have made an impact. blessings
Jean Evans
06/08/2019
Ken and family, I am so sorry to hear of Kathys passing, my heart felt condolences to all.
Leslee Cran
06/08/2019
My heart goes out to family & friends blessed by Kathys kind soul & fun-loving personality.
I will cherish our time riding horses,dinner dates, and Niagra Falls trip. Happy trails to my riding buddy until we meet again.
Kevin Renaud
06/08/2019
So sorry Ken for your loss.Prayers for you and family
Heather
06/08/2019
My heart goes out to her family Im truly sorry for your sending her husband and her sons and family my prayers in the short time I knew her shes the nicest person ever ..
Helen D Tuttle
06/08/2019
My deepest sympathies and condolences to your family. I only knew Kathy through horses as we both boarded our horses at the same stable. Every time I would see her at the stable, she always had a smile and cheer about her and I always enjoyed the times we chatted about small things in our lives or about our times with our horses. Pray for God to watch over you and take care of you during this difficult time.
Rhonda Waller
06/08/2019
Ken, Chris, and Kyle, This just breaks my heart and I cannot even imagine the depth of your grief. I have so many good memories of Kathy and will cherish them forever. Dan and I extend to all of you, our deepest sympathy.
Karen Maresh
06/08/2019
Sad news. I am so very sorry. What an angel.
Connie and Terry Zuck
06/08/2019
Our hearts ache for you and your boys. We lost a wonderful person and heaven gained an angle. Our deepest sympathies.
ROSE & JOHN HENNESSEY
06/08/2019
Our deepest Sympathies and Condolences to Kenny,Chris,Kyle and Families on the death of your beloved wife and mother, Kathy. She will be greatly missed by eveyrone. May God be with you at this very difficult time.
Kathy Young
06/08/2019
No words can express my sadness for your loss. Kathy will surely brighten the heavens.
Judy Sprague
06/08/2019
Ken my deepest sympathy.
Debby (Cory) Blaylock
06/08/2019
Coach Estling
My deepest condolences on the loss of your wife. Sending good thoughts and many prayers your way during this very sad time.
Ronda (McBee) Saltzman-Cameron
06/08/2019
I have known Kathy since 1985. We worked in ICU together for at least 5 years. We were young, aggressive with our care, and fun loving in our free time. Later, as our wound care/stomal therapist, she helped my sister through two years of horrific cancer care. She worked with Dr. Gervich in infection control and we worked closely with the safety committee. She demonstrated grace, compassion, excellence, professionalism along with friendship and love to EVERYONE she met. Her kind manner, sweet voice and forever accepting personality that enveloped you with a huge hug every time she saw you....heaven has an asset and we are at a loss. She will be missed by more people than you can imagine. Her touch has reached out to so many......she has truly left the world a better place.
Linda Sanny
06/07/2019
Ken and family my heart aches for you. I am so sorry. I have no words that will offer comfort but please know your pain touches us all in someway. You have been in my thoughts and I pray that you find comfort through faith in the days and weeks ahead. God bless you all.