Estella S. Garcia

McALLEN — Estella Saenz Garcia, 98, a strong woman who did not fear anything and who was proud of her heritage, entered into eternal rest early Saturday morning on October 11, 2014. Estella was born on May 5, 1916 in La Sal Colorada Ranch, TX to Benjamin and Maria del Refugio Saenz. Growing up at the The Sal Colorada Ranch in Starr County was not an easy feat. She learned quickly to be tough and strong on that rustic landscape.

She married Reynaldo L. Garcia then moved to McAllen to work at La Dama Elegante fabric store and raise three children. Estella and Reynaldo later moved to Tiffin, OH where she worked for JC Penney and made a home for 40 years. Estella and Reynaldo both retired and moved back down to Mission, Texas where they lived, laughed and loved each other until the end of their lives.

Estella is preceded in death by her husband, Reynaldo L. Garcia; sisters, Dora S. Garza and Cora S. Martinez and brother, Benjamin Saenz, Jr.

Estella is survived by her children, Reynaldo A. Garcia, Jr. of McAllen, TX, Maria A. Lopez of McAllen, TX and Maria Estella Startzman of Berea, KY. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren.

Family will receive friends today, Tuesday, October 14, 2014 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary at Funeraria del Angel in Mission. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in McAllen. Interment will follow to Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Funeraria del Angel in Mission, a dignity memorial provider, 3611 N. Taylor Rd. in Mission.