Louise Lathrop Estus, originally from Sherburne, died Tuesday April 14, 2020 at Linden Grove Memory Care Home in Waukesha, WI, following an extended battle with Alzheimer’s.
Louise was born into this world on February 5, 1926 to Homer Newton Lathrop and Eunice Genevieve Greene Lathrop on the long-time Lathrop Family Homestead which is now part of the Rodgers Conservation Center. She was the fifth generation of Lathrops to be baptized in the Sherburne First Congregational Church, which we now know as the United Church of Christ. She attended elementary school in Sherburne and graduated from Sherburne High School.
Louise attended Cazenovia college from 1943-1945 and graduated from Syracuse University in 1947. Her friends from college called her “Liz.”
Louise married Rex Everett Estus on a sunny day, June 9, 1948, in the Sherburne First Congregational Church. She was happily married to Rex until his death on May 7, 1998.
Louise began her married life in Syracuse. They welcomed two sons, Leigh and Alan while residing in Syracuse. In 1957 the family moved to Sherburne. In time, Louise and Rex welcomed two daughters, Ann, and Valerie.
Until her relocation to Wisconsin in 2012, Louise was a life-long member of the James Madison Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Louise was active in the Cub Scouts as a Den Mother for many years. She was also involved in the 4-H with the two girls. Louise was active in the Sherburne United Church of Christ. She held many positions including trustee and deacon. She dedicated a great deal of time to the UCC, working on projects, committees, the Church Bazaar, Band Pageant, and many other activities over the years. She never missed church on Sunday and had a strong Faith in the Lord.
Louise began work for Chenango County in 1976 and was instrumental in the development of the 60+ program that ensured that senior citizens of the County would have a good meal every day. Louise retired from her job as the Program Manager for 60+ in 1989.
After retirement, Louise pursued her interest in the Lathrop family history and took many trips around the country including Lathrop family reunions with her niece, Judy Lathrop. She was an avid quilter and spent many mornings with other members of the Americana Quilt Guild.
In 2012, Louise moved to Waukesha, Wisconsin to be closer to her youngest daughter in an assisted living facility that she selected.
Louise always said she had “children in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.” Louise is survived by her four children who were all baptized in the UCC; Leigh Lathrop Estus, Alan Vincent Estus (Holly), Ann Alcott Estus Frank (Kevin) and Valerie Mason Estus Oenes. Louise had 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held in the United Church of Christ as soon as arrangements can be made.