ESTERLY, John (Johnny) George

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 02/07/2012 John "Johnny" George Esterly, 95, died Saturday, Jan. 28 in Rathdrum, Idaho. He was born Aug. 1, 1916 in Johnstown, Pa., to A.J. and Anna Esterly. The family moved to California in 1920, settling first in Victorville, then moving to Glendale. John graduated from Glendale High School in 1934. John met the love of his life, Betty Arlene Headley, on his birthday in 1940, and they were married in Las Vegas Oct. 20, 1940. They were married 54 years at the time of Betty's passing in 1994. With their family of five children, John and Betty settled in La Canada, Calif. John tried out various careers, settling into the printing business as a photo engraver in Los Angeles. He was a founding member of the Glendale Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 1975, John fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a business owner. Moving to Show Low, "Doc", as he was called by the locals, owned "Deuce O'Clubs Liquor." When they closed the store, he worked at Yellow Front until retiring. He was active in the Show Low Elks Club, Meals on Wheels, and the couple joined a square dance group. John relocated to Spirit Lake, Idaho in 1999. He helped out in his son's hardware store for several years and became quite a fixture in the little town, donating his time to many organizations. In 2006 he moved to Generations Assisted Living in Rathdrum. John was a hard-working, big-hearted man who loved his family and loved making people smile with his jokes and comments. John is survived by two sisters: Helen Felice Longway of Grass Valley, Calif., and Mary Katherine Atkinson of Camino, Calif; children: John (Jack) Esterly and Barbara of Alliance, Ohio; Lynne Jones of Show Low, David Esterly and Peggy of Spirit Lake, Idaho; Brian Esterly and Cathy of Albuquerque, N.M., and Lucy Esterly of Glendale; seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Services will be held Feb.10, at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, Calif.