Rita K. Estell's Obituary
Rita K. Estell, 53, of Decatur, passed from this life on Sunday, December 29, 2013 in Decatur.
Rita was born on August 18, 1960, in Decatur, IL, a daughter of Walter and Flora (Woods) Estell. She was an entrepreneur and a member of Church of The Living God, P.G.T. Temple #1.
She attended Douglas McArthur High School where she was active in student council. She went on to attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and studied for an MBA. After graduation, she moved to Seattle, Washington, and then relocated to Newport Beach, California where she worked with fashion and high-end retail sales. Rita loved California, and after launching a successful business related to green technology and home improvements, business operations were expanded to Las Vegas, Nevada where she lived before moving to Washington, DC. She returned to Decatur this year to be near family.
An avid athlete and health enthusiast, Rita enjoyed jogging, weight-lifting, and was known for her impeccable style, kind spirit and compassion for others. Her infectious laugh and sense of humor livened family and social gatherings.
She leaves us not to mourn but to cherish her memory, a memory of an extraordinary life that serves as evidence of God’s blessed creation. Those left behind to bear witness to a life marked by courage, tenacity, intellect and beauty include her loving siblings: Ronald L. (Jackie) Woods of Overland Park, KS, Charles E. (Debbie) Woods of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Larry D. (Patricia) Estell of Woodinville, WA, Leonard D. (Beverly) Estell of Decatur, and Anita R. Estell of Washington, D.C.; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Ricky Estell, grandmother Lizzie Woods, and her aunt and uncle, Avery and Charlie Orr.
Graveside services to celebrate her life will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Macon County Memorial Park. There will be no visitation.
The family of Rita K. Estell is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.moranandgoebel.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Church of the Living God PGT, Temple #1, located at 1915 North Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Decatur Illinois, or The Church of the Living God PGT, Temple #4, located at 904 E. Cleveland Avenue in Decatur, Illinois.
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