Mildred Jean (Goss) Estes

Mildred passed at her home in Fountain, Colorado, on July 1, 2024.

Mildred was born to Byrel and Mary Goss in the small coal mining town of Tioga, Huerfano County, Colorado. She attended schools in the coal mining camps of Huerfano County, until the 5th grade when the family moved permanently to the Goss homestead north of La Veta. She attended La Veta Schools and graduated as the class salutatorian in 1945. Mildred became a teacher and taught at the coal mine camp of Butte Valley (Alamo) school in Huerfano County. She taught in a one room school and had 40 students in eight grades. With the end of World War II, the teacher shortage had ended, so she began work at Coleman’s Drug Store in La Veta as a soda jerk. It was while working there she met E. M. (Mel) Estes. They would marry at the Baptist church in La Veta on August 24, 1947. They would enjoy 73 ½ years of marriage before Mel’s passing in 2021.

Mel and Mildred began married life in La Veta, but soon moved to Pueblo, Prospect Valley, and Sugar City. They were back in Pueblo when their first son, Joel, was born. The family moved to Fountain, Colorado in 1955. A daughter, Shelly, was born in 1956, but passed shortly after birth. Twins, Timothy and Tamara, would join the family in 1964. Fountain would remain Mildred’s home the rest of her life. Mel and Mildred lived at the family ranch in Huerfano County and in Alamosa for some years while Mel served as a Colorado State Electrical Inspector, before retiring permanently back to Fountain in the 1990’s.

Mildred was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She loved watching her son, Joel, play sports in High School, and attended many football games and wrestling matches with him. She became the Fountain 4-H Club leader, where she helped guide Tim, Tamara, and many of the local 4-H members to winning with their National Report Form submissions, where they won trips to the National 4-H Congress, National Western 4-H Roundup, 4-H camps, El Paso County Fair and Colorado State Fair Championships. Her dedicated work was rewarded when she received the Colorado State 4-H Leader of the Year award as the outstanding leader in the state. Mildred served as the president of the Fountain Valley Homemakers Club, volunteered with the First United Methodist Church of Fountain, and was a 41-year member of the Territorial Daughters of Colorado.

Mildred’s main joy in life was her family. Her brothers and sisters were a close-knit family and enjoyed many family reunions over the years. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. Mel and Mildred cherished time at their mountain ranch on La Veta Pass until Mel’s passing.

Mildred is survived by her children Joel (Georganne), Timothy, and Tamara. Five grandchildren, Brandon, Collin (Erin), Christian (Valari), Morgan (Matt), and Savanna. Great-grandchildren Hannah (Chris), Hailey, Lydia, Ruby, Harrison, and Jace. One Great-great-grandson, Santiago. Two sisters Nola Cox, and Mary Mansfield Rodier; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, E. M. (Mel) Estes; her parents, Byrel and Mary Goss; her daughter, Shelly; and her siblings Byrel (Mary) Goss, Margaret (Tom) Clair, Zelma (Jerry) Tannehill, Bob (Peggy) Goss, Olena (Virgil) Ottinger, Hannah (Arthur) Rohr, and Dee (Carl) Davidson.

A private memorial service will be held in the future. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the El Paso County 4-H Foundation, 24 Circle C Road, Fountain, Colorado 80817, or the Territorial Daughters of Colorado – Southern Chapter, PO Box 141, Wetmore, CO 81253.