Sonja Dale Crowe Estes Reece, age 81, passed away at her home on Friday, October 13th, 2023. Sonja was born on Stacy Lane in Estill County on October 30th, 1941, to the late Dewey and Frances Ellen Akers Crowe. An avid writer, she co-authored, with her husband Joe, the book “Estill County Schools from 1808-1972”, and worked with the Estill County Historical Society on “200 Years in Pictures” and “Estill County Veterans of World War II”. In addition, she contributed to other publications on local history and wrote articles of interest for local newspapers. She was a member of Irvine Chapter #357 of the Order of the Eastern Star, Estill County Historical Society, and the South Irvine Baptist Church. Sonja was a homemaker, quilter, gardener, dulcimer player, and a proud retiree of the Estill County Soil and Water Conservation District where she spent 13 years as Administrative Secretary. She and her husband Joe owned and operated, for many years, Joe Estes Appliance Service, Estes Rabbitry, Orchards and Apiary. When her 4 sons were young, she was an active participant and sponsor in the local 4-H clubs and was very active in events at the Estill County Agricultural Fair.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Edison Joe Estes, by her second husband Riley Reece and one granddaughter Beth Sloan.
Survivors include her four sons, Dennis Joe Estes (Karen) of Richmond, David Odell Estes (Diana) of Waco, Willis Ray Estes (Rebecca) of Irvine and Walter Scott Estes (Lisa) of Irvine. Special loved ones Farris Glen Marcum of Irvine and godchildren Joseph and Rebecca Marcum. Two sisters, Patricia Elswick of Nicholasville and Tina Myers (Bob) of Richmond. One brother, Dewey Lynn Crowe (Tammy) of Nicholasville. Eleven grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, October 19, 11 AM at the South Irvine Baptist Church with Bro. Donnie Burford officiating. Burial will be at the Crowe Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 6 to 9 PM at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home and after 10 AM Thursday at the South Irvine Baptist Church.
Pallbearers are Chris Riddell, Cayden Riddell, Bobby Estes, Dawson Miller, Gordon Sneed and Briton Estes.
Honorary pallbearers are Scott Riddell, Dakota Riddell and Joseph Marcum.
