Mrs. Iris  Cleo Estes was born May 5, 1928, to William Jonas Estes and Clara Valiara (Powell-Brown) Estes in Sanger, California. She joined her heavenly father on January 18, 2024.

Iris was raised in church by her mother Clara, who was a charter member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Sanger. Iris married her sweetheart, Doyle Gordon Childs, on September 3, 1944, when she was just 16 years of age. Throughout their 58 years together, they made homes in Sanger, CA; Hayward, CA; and Fresno, CA.

Their first child, Lonnie, was born in 1947. Soon followed a daughter, Pamela, in 1950; a daughter, Paula, in 1955; a son, Mark, in 1958; and a son, Brent, in 1960.

Iris was a hard worker and held many jobs throughout her long life. She worked as a secretary during their time living in Hayward. She was a sales associate at her sister Verda's jewelry store, Vons Jewelry in Sanger, and she was a sales associate at both Kiegens and Young World of Sanger before finally moving into property management. Iris managed many properties in Fresno for more than 30 years, retiring just shy of her 80th birthday.

What mattered most to Iris was family. She loved her children and grandchildren wholeheartedly and never missed an opportunity to express that love. Iris was known to have you laughing due to her sweet but sassy nature. Her infectious smile and laugh would light up any room that she entered. She was loved and adored by her family, and there was never a dull moment when they were together.

Iris was preceded in death by her daughter Pamela in 1950, her son Mark in 1992, her husband Doyle in 2002, and her son Lonnie in 2008. She is survived by her daughter and caretaker, Paula Harris of Fresno, her son, Brent Childs of Minnesota, 9 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the following for their many heartfelt expressions of love in recent months.
• Saint Agnes Home Health and Hospice, for their compassionate and loving care these past fourteen months.
• Wallins Funeral Home, for their dignified care of our sweet Iris.
• Friends and family members—for your thoughtfulness in cards, flowers, prayers, and most of all, your love and support.