Estelle Sansom
Obituary
Estelle June (nee Ruschell) Sansom was carried home to our Heavenly Father in the loving arms of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 19, 2015. She was born September 1, 1925 in Tampa, Florida, the daughter of Arthur Joseph and Nettie Mae (nee Mills) Ruschell. Estelle, known by many as “Boots,” peacefully passed away in her home, surrounded with nearly nine decades of memories from her amazing life.
As a 26-year “Navy wife” she traveled the globe with her husband, CTRC Richard Rae Sansom, USN (Ret), to assignments in San Diego, Hawaii, Maryland, Okinawa and Japan. Their final assignment was to West Fork in 1976 as they settled down to enjoy retirement atop Onda Mountain.
Estelle was a member of First Baptist Church West Fork for 35 years and was the church clerk for nearly 25 of those years. She also taught Sunday School and was a Vacation Bible School regular. She greatly loved and was loved by every member of the congregation. She was a lifelong member of the Order of Eastern Star, an active supporter and volunteer to the West Fork Tiger Band, Meals on Wheels, Cooperative Emergency Outreach, and Prairie Grove Life Ministries.
She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister and two brothers.
Survivors include her son CDR Richard T. “Sam” Sansom, USN (Ret), daughter Alexis J. Walker, both of West Fork; four grandchildren, Mary J. Sansom, MCPO Richard M. Sansom, USN, both of San Diego, MAJ Whitney P. Walker, USAF, of Fort Walton Beach, and ET2 Wesley M. Walker, USCG, of Sheboygan; and six great grandchildren.
A family only graveside service will be held at the Fayetteville National Cemetery on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. Memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church West Fork on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at 10:00 A.M.
As a 26-year “Navy wife” she traveled the globe with her husband, CTRC Richard Rae Sansom, USN (Ret), to assignments in San Diego, Hawaii, Maryland, Okinawa and Japan. Their final assignment was to West Fork in 1976 as they settled down to enjoy retirement atop Onda Mountain.
Estelle was a member of First Baptist Church West Fork for 35 years and was the church clerk for nearly 25 of those years. She also taught Sunday School and was a Vacation Bible School regular. She greatly loved and was loved by every member of the congregation. She was a lifelong member of the Order of Eastern Star, an active supporter and volunteer to the West Fork Tiger Band, Meals on Wheels, Cooperative Emergency Outreach, and Prairie Grove Life Ministries.
She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister and two brothers.
Survivors include her son CDR Richard T. “Sam” Sansom, USN (Ret), daughter Alexis J. Walker, both of West Fork; four grandchildren, Mary J. Sansom, MCPO Richard M. Sansom, USN, both of San Diego, MAJ Whitney P. Walker, USAF, of Fort Walton Beach, and ET2 Wesley M. Walker, USCG, of Sheboygan; and six great grandchildren.
A family only graveside service will be held at the Fayetteville National Cemetery on Friday, July 31, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. Memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church West Fork on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at 10:00 A.M.
Funeral Service
10:00 am
First Baptist Church in West Fork, Arkansas.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Sep 1, 1925
Jul 19, 2015
89
Tributes
Ms Estelle never wavered, never backed down from her beliefs; whether they be on life, friendships, her faith in Jesus Christ, her children and extended family.
Ms Estelle taught me much from her silent, and sometimes NOT so silent, service to the church and other organizations. There was NO doubt of her love to her family. YOU are truly the fortunate ones to have been blessed with Ms Estelle as your mother, grandmother, great-grandmother.
I loved that woman. Some day we will all praise the Mighty God of the Universe together but until then, I will continue to pray for comfort for you.
Sylvia Clifton - Friend
Estelle gave generously of her time to help her fellow men and women.
Maurice Rankin - Fellow CEO volunteer
Ms Estelle was my 4th grade Sunday School teacher. She was a great person and would always have me sit with her in church and take notes. To this day I still carry pen and paper in my Bible cover to take notes. I will always remember her kindness. She was a great lady and will be missed.
Julie Shafer - Friend
Funeral Service
10:00 am
First Baptist Church in West Fork, Arkansas.
Visitation
Visitation information unavailable.
Final Resting Place
General
Sep 1, 1925
Jul 19, 2015
89