Estella L. Constable

Estella was born on Dec. 23, 1932 in Farrar, Iowa to Russell and Madeline Fogle. Her parents later moved Estella and her siblings to Des Moines where she graduated from East High School in 1950.

Estella met the handsome Randal Constable at the local hardware store where her dad worked. They were married shortly after. Wanting to have children and buy a home, Randal and Estella sold their brand-new car to make a down payment on their first home on Francis Avenue. Their family grew quickly with the births of their son Shawn in 1956, daughter Tammy in 1957, and son Tracy in 1960.

A devoted wife and mother, Estella dedicated herself to raising her children, creating a loving and nurturing home for her family – being sure to tuck her children in every night as they said their prayers.

After getting all her children through grade school, Estella went to work for Des Moines Public Schools as a food service worker. She worked at several schools, becoming well known for her amazing baking skills. After 26 years she retired from Harding Junior High.

She and Randal did everything together. They enjoyed fishing, going to the farmer’s market, family fish-fries, senior bus trips, hunting mushrooms, watching their grandchildren play sports and dancing at the Croatian Center.

She loved going to garage sales, craft shows and shopping with her daughter Tammy.

Always conscious of her health, Estella was an avid walker clocking thousands of miles at the Iowa State Fairgrounds – though she could easily be tempted by a vanilla ice cream cone.

A talented gardener, Estella’s yard was always beautifully landscaped, and she took pride in growing a variety of flowers. She also loved decorating her home, making it a warm and inviting place for her loved ones. She’d spend hours in conversation with her children on her back porch or on the front porch as they watched fair-goers pass by.

But above all, Estella cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She would light up every time one of them would walk through her door for a visit.

She has been reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband of 58 years, Randal; their infant son, Gary; her parents, Russell and Madeline, and her siblings: sister Joann, and brothers John and Clark.

Estella is survived by her children, Shawn (Virginia), Tammy, and Tracy (Angie); her brothers, Elwood (Peggy) and Mike (Deb); six grandchildren; Mark (Valerie), Matt (Ashley), Amanda (Don), Justin (Lauren), Taylor (Kendall) and Alissa, and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her greatly.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to WesleyLife Hospice at 4328 114th St, Urbandale, Iowa 50322. Or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at give.michaeljfox.org or MJF Foundation, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York NY 10163.