Estella Esparza-Juarez, 81, joined the Lord from the comfort of her home in Kermit, Texas, on June 27, 2021.

Estella was born in Imperial, Texas, on Sept. 4, 1939, to Santos and Natividad (Rey) Esparza.  Estella was a devout Catholic who read her bible daily to pray for her loved ones and spread her faith in those around her.

Estella was an athlete in high school, a star volleyball player, and a cheerleader for the Imperial Longhorns. After graduating, she married Oscar Juarez in 1963. They had their daughter Mireya and son Oscar II.

In 1981, the couple built Don Burrito in Kermit, and Estella spent her days as the owner and operator while becoming a familiar face to the locals of Kermit. Estella grew up in a loving, close-knit family, and built lifelong, solid bonds with her siblings. She loved visiting, and made sure to call and keep up with everyone, no matter how far they were.

A key supporter of her kids and later her grandkid's sports, she was always happy to be enjoying her family. Estella loved the fall when pecans fell from her trees, and the Cowboys played. She is remembered as one of her grandson's front row fans on Friday nights. While growing up, her grandkids loved how she came in before school to make breakfast and had avena ready in coffee cups before they went out the door. She was always around to help with everything, from homework to running Don Burrito with her daughter. Estella's love lives on in the firm faith she helped others around her find and her family's fond memories with her.

She joins her parents Santos, and Natividad Esparza, her sister Elvita Urias, and brother Albert Esparza in heaven.

Her legacy continues with her daughter Mireya Juarez Thomas and husband Ronnie of Kermit; and her son Oscar Juarez II and wife Arcelia of Midland, Texas. Her siblings carry her love with them, brothers Isaac Esparza and wife Vera of San Antonio, Texas, Israel Esparza and wife Rosie of Phoenix, Ariz., Santos Esparza, Jr., and wife Mary of Fort Stockton, Texas, and Abalardo Esparza and wife Lupe of Odessa, Texas; sisters Elva Acosta and husband Silviano of Lovington, N.M., Eva L Levario of Phoenix, and Ernestina Esparza of Oxnard, Calif.; and sister-in-law Lisa Esparza of Monahans, Texas. Her eight grandchildren also remember Estella's love, Marissa, Mariela, Marisol, Nicholas, Alexandra, Daniella, Gabriella, and Oscar III; and three great-grandchildren, Laken, Adeline, and Maxson.

A rosary will be held on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at 9 a.m., followed by a mass at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Stockton. Honorary Pallbearers will include Nicholas Gray, Robert Gamboa II, Isaac Esparza, Israel Esparza, Santos Esparza, Jr., Abalardo Esparza, Lenin Juarez, and Leopoldo Juarez.

Arrangements are entrusted to Charter Funeral Home and Family Services Funeral Parlor.