Nellis Lucille Estoppey, 100, of Centralia passed in her sleep on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Centralia Manor in Centralia.
She was born on December 28, 1923, the daughter of Hulan Harlan, and Cecile (Whitlock) Hawkins in Texico, IL. In her early years, she was raised on a farm where she worked at the early Hawkins’ Orchard with apples, peaches, strawberries, as well as other garden vegetables. She rode a mule to her one-room schoolhouse, Field School along with her brother, Prentice “Bud” Hawkins. After high school (Mount Vernon), she went to Brown’s Business College and then to work in the office at Star Service Company. She married Harold Estoppey on Easter Sunday, March 28, 1948, at the First Baptist Church in Centralia with Rev Louis Bean Officiating. They were members and devoted to the Couples Class Sunday School and attended every Sunday until her health declined.
Nellis was a homemaker after marriage. She was an excellent cook, but always remarked, “It’s not fit to eat.” Apple pie was her specialty. She kept an immaculate home for her family. In later years she and Harold volunteered at the Huddleston Home Office stuffing envelopes. They also delivered Meals on Wheels for several years. They had a long happy life together.
Along with her husband, Harold, Nellis was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Mike Buettner; her brothers, Prentice (Bud) and Gene Hawkins; brother-in-law, Robert Estoppey; nephews, David Hawkins and Tim Stone.
She is survived by three daughters and one son, Sharon Blakey and husband Don of Texas, Linda Greer of MO, Nancy Buettner of Centralia, Jeffrey Estoppey and wife Leticia of CA. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Todd Schafer, Ryan Schafer and wife Leslie all of TX, Jason Greer and wife Leanna of Kansas, Tara Carter and husband Steve of MO, Angie and husband Michael Coker, Michelle Schulte and husband Justin, Kevin Buettner (Hollie), and Gregory Buettner, all of Centralia, Zoë Estoppey and Evan Estoppey of CA; great-grandchildren, Wrenleigh Schafer of TX, Morgan Greer, Logan, Mikiah, and Eli Carter of MO, Marie, Maya and Riley Greer of KS, Abbey Coker, and Reagen, Maizey and Gemma Schulte and Breez Buettner of Centralia; great-great-grandchild, Blakely Greer of MO. All of the grandchildren call Nellis, Super Grandma. She is also survived by her sister, Janice Stone and her husband Tony of FL; sister-in-law, Pat Hawkins of Northern IL, and special niece, Mary Ann Barnes of St. Louis. Nellis also had many nieces and nephews.
A private graveside will be held, and she will be laid to rest by her husband Harold. Memorials may be made in Nellis’ honor to the First Baptist Church in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Nellis may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Nellis Estoppey with arrangements.
