Estalita Marie Versaw was born July 20, 1931, in Del Norte Colorado to Estal and Juanita Baland McAninch. Her name was created by feminizing her father’s name by adding the last half of her mother’s name. As far as she knew, her name is unique.
She lost her father in a hunting accident when she was four years old.
Her mother later married Ray Holland, which immediately added 4 more children to the family and moved her to the Sargent community. Later the family moved to the Hooper area, and she graduated from Hooper High School in 1949.
After attending college in Bolivar Missouri, Estalita married Ardell Versaw on June18, 1950. They were married just shy of 72 years. To this union 3 children were born: Sue (Steve) Westfahl, Becky (Dwayne) Lewis, and Charlie(Barbara) Versaw.
They also raised Martha(Ed) Holland Cave and Sharon (Clayton) Holland Livengood.
Estalita was a true farm wife and mother. She reared her own children as well as many others during the summer months. She milked many gallons of milk and raised several tons of food in her garden to feed her family.
Estalita is survived by her three children and their spouses. Grandsons: Sam Westfahl, Daniel (Katrina) Westfahl, Brian (Breezy) Lewis, Michael (Stephanie) Lewis, Jonathan (Kathryn) Lewis, Luke Versaw, Matthew (Nicole) Livengood and Nathan (Åbra) Livengood, Granddaughters: Ruth Westfahl, Stephanie (Jason) Christofi, Rebecca (Nathan) Munger, GraceAnn (Tyler) Moyer, Heidi (Josh) Oliver, Liesl (Brian) George, Kassie (Sam) Jones and Joy (Stephen) Kabel and 33 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister-in-law Martha Holland, and brother David(Barbara) Holland.
Preceding her in death are her husband, Ardell, her parents, brothers Zane and Glen Holland, her sisters, Katherine (Chuck) Currier, Lois (Bud) Grooms , and Ruth Holland , and Martha Cave and Sharon Livengood.
A Small Graveside service will be held on Friday August 19, 2022 at 1:00pm at the San Luis Valley Cemetery in Monte Vista, CO.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date and will be announced.
Contributions may be made to the Hooper Baptist Church, The Gideons International, or Wycliffe Associates. Arrangements in care of Strohmayers Funeral Home of Monte Vista, CO.