Estella Montemayor (nee Rodriguez), age 104 passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024, at home surrounded by her family.  Born May 8, 1920, in San Benito, Texas to the late Cresencio and Getrudes Rodriguez, she was the fifth of 13 children.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Enrique Montemayor; her parents, Cresencio and Getrudes Rodriguez; daughters, Lucilla Cavazos, Linda Trzebski; grandsons, Anthony Montemayor, Manuel Gonzalez; and granddaughter, Mary Alice Trzebski.

She is survived by her children, Louisa Montemayor, Enrique (Mary Ann) Montemayor Jr., Mary (James) Bottomley, Noemi Gonzalez, Mildred Montemayor; son-in-laws, Eddie Cavazos and Sigmund Trzebski; grandchildren, Catarina (Jorge) Alvarez, Antonio (Jennifer) Cavazos, Eddie Cavazos Jr., Enrique M. (Amanda) Montemayor III, Tracy (Michael) Hadt, Nicole Bukur Montemayor,  Arturo (Danielle) Azcona, Michelle (Jesse) Ramos, Ricardo (Julie) Gonzalez, Matthew Trzebski, Michael (Kim) Bottomley, Christina (Ian) Creswell; 32 great grandchildren; 12 great great grandchildren; brothers, Cresencio (Celeste) Rodriguez, Jose (Sharon) Rodriguez, Manuel (Sophie) Rodriguez, Cresencio B. Rodriguez; many other loving family members and friends.

She grew up in the Rio Grande Valley where she lived on the farm with her family. She came to Gary, Indiana in 1953, after her husband who was a WWII veteran was discharged from the United States Army and found employment at US Steel. She never liked the city life and the cold weather. She loved to cook Sunday dinner for her family.  She enjoyed playing bingo and going to the casinos as well as her Mexican Ranchero music. Above all, Estella loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 am Wednesday, October 9, 2024, directly at Holy Martyrs Parrish (formerly St. Andrew's), 801 West 73rd Ave. Merrillville, IN. She will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfunerralhomes.com