Betty JoAnn Estell

Some called her Betty, some called her JoAnn, and all called her friend. Betty JoAnn (Boster) Estell was born on December 17, 1936, in Delaware, Ohio, to Frank and Thelma Jane (Skatzes) Boster. She lived a life defined by hard work, deep faith, quiet generosity, and an unwavering love for her family. She was never one to seek the spotlight, but she had a way of being there when it mattered most. Her love was shown not through grand gestures, but through a lifetime of showing up.

Throughout her life, Betty JoAnn worked hard to support her family, including many years spent at Motorola and Waccamaw Pottery. Even in her later years, she never lost her desire to stay busy and serve others. She devoted her time to the church food pantry and helped with countless other tasks wherever she was needed.

A devout Christian throughout her life, Betty JoAnn embraced a meaningful new chapter in her spiritual journey when she chose to become Catholic. In April 2025, she officially became a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Streamwood, Illinois. Her faith remained an important part of her life.

The center of Betty JoAnn’s life was her family. As the oldest of seven children, she loved going “down home” to visit her siblings and her hometown of Delaware, Ohio. She is survived by her brothers David (Yun Chu), Vern (Lisa), and John (Vicky) Boster. She was preceded in death by her beloved baby sister, Mary Alice Jane, and her brothers Frank Jr. and Robert.

Betty JoAnn loved her three children deeply. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Jane Kranig, and her son, David Estell (Myrna). She was preceded in death by her son, Allen Russell Estell (Pamela), who passed away in February 2021.

Betty JoAnn was a cherished presence in the lives of her six grandsons and five great-grandsons. Although she hated being the center of attention, she never missed an opportunity to support her family. She could be found quietly cheering from the audience at countless school plays, music concerts, and sporting events. Occasionally, she could be found being a little less quiet, sharing her opinions or her sharp sense of humor! As a joke, she would say “gray tape” as a reminder to stop talking—a playful reference to putting duct tape over your mouth to keep it closed! Ultimately, though, it was her presence that mattered most. She was always there in the background, making sure the people she loved knew they had her support.

Known as “Gigi” to some of her great-grandsons, she had her own special way of looking after the kids. If a little one was getting into mischief or heading toward trouble, she could be counted on to firmly drag him back to safety—and then make sure he had a snack. It was the perfect combination of her no-nonsense nature and her loving heart. She knew when to step in, when to keep watch, and when a little something to eat could make everything better.

Betty JoAnn was a hard worker, and there was rarely a moment when she wasn't busy doing something for someone, pulling weeds, or heading out for a walk. The rare exception was when she could sit down with a piece of pie and a cup of coffee. Her sweet tooth was legendary, and she never met a baked good she didn't like!

On October 7, 2026, Betty JoAnn passed away at St. Alexius Medical Center, surrounded by her loved ones. Though her family and friends will deeply miss her, the love she gave, the faith she carried, and the memories she created will remain with them always. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, devotion, and a love that never needed to be loud to be felt. She will be remembered in the seats she filled at family events, in the helping hands she offered at church, in the coffee cups and pieces of pie she enjoyed, and in the countless little moments when she quietly made sure everyone was okay.

May she rest in peace, reunited with those who have gone before her. May all who knew her be comforted by the unforgettable legacy of love and service she leaves behind. Her ashes will be returned to the place she loved most, her home in Ohio, where she will be laid to rest with her parents.