Esta Ray Pearce

Esta Ray Pearce, 95, passed away at her home on June 29, 2023, surrounded by family.  She was born in Spiro, OK on December 12, 1927.  Daughter of Ed and Nora Parker and was the last of eight Parker siblings to pass.  She met the love of her life, Don, in a cotton field after moving to Arizona.  After their marriage, she and Don were some of the early farmers in the Eloy/Green Reservoir area. They moved to the small community of Maricopa in 1959.

The two were married for 71 years and raised five daughters, Linda Christian, Gwyn Mikosz, Donna Johnson, Tammi Pearce and Lana Williford.  In addition to the five girls, she had seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter. 

Esta Ray was the picture of an independent woman, wife, mother, and business owner.  She and Don owned and operated the NAPA store in Maricopa for 40 years and both were very active in the community, including Maricopa Rotary and Maricopa Fire Department.  She will be remembered for her peach cobbler, her homemade biscuits, the snow cones on Stagecoach Day, her southern twang, and her welcoming smiles and hugs. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, and her beloved fur baby, Lolli.   

A graveside service is planned for the immediate family on Friday, July 7, 2023 at the Coolidge Cemetery.  A celebration of life will be held later in the year.