I knew Estelle through church, and she was a formidable force. She cared deeply about having things done the right way, and she was willing to help work to make it happen.  I was intimidated by her initially, but eventually we became church friends  She would greet our family, compliment the kids, and let me know if there were things about the way the church was going that needed to be addressed. My condolences to the family, especially Bob and Dawn. I regret I was unable to attend her service. 

Estelle and I developed a delightful friendship that must’ve started somewhere along the way at Christ Lutheran. Our together times usually revolved around an early dinner at Luby’s, Fuddrucker’s, or anywhere else that struck our fancy at the moment. We’d talk of “way back when” in New Orleans, where we each had countless  memories. From there, we’d eventually discuss living in Brazil, in different places and at different times.  We always spoke of our love for our church. We were never at a loss for conversation, and hours of it on many different topics. 
Our greatest delight was to attend Brazosport Center Stages latest production, whatever it might be, and of course a meal either before or after.  
She was a gracious lady, who had impeccable manners and etiquette. I still have her lovely handwritten thank you notes that followed each and every outing we had. Rest In Peace, my precious friend.  I miss your Steel Magnolia self. 

I remember how refined I thought Mrs.Brubaker was. From the way she dressed to her manners. I knew she was a charter member of our church and the few times I saw her she was always dressed so neatly. She was on our committee when we did the comemoration anniversary of Christ Lutheran Church. I could tell she loved being part of it because of the wonderful ideas she had to make it the best anniversary possible. My funniest memory is coming in to church one Sunday and finding someone sitting where we normally sat. So we preceded to sit a few rows forward. About that time she came in and let us know that we were in the spot where she always sat.  Of course we didnt know what to think, got up and  moved and laughed about it later.

Over the course of our marriage, I was equal parts respectful and angry with Estelle - this was mostly due to my lack of maturity. She bought us elegant gifts - one example: $650 Steuben Glass Olive dish for our 25th anniversary, that I was scared to death I would accidentally  break - but also countless "etiquette" books, which although may have been deserved, were also offensive... 
Estelle excelled at many things:
•	She dressed exquisitely, and passed this on to her granddaughters. She would bring several dresses at Easter & Christmas, and let the girls try on and choose their favorites. We always had pictures of the events. I have 3 older brothers, and have a fondness for corduroy and sweatshirts; our daughters' tastes, as a result, exceeded mine by age 10.
•	She was formal; although we lived a few miles apart in Lake Jackson, she rarely "dropped by" - always calling before coming over   
•	She loved to entertain in her dining room - complete with seating and "grace" assignments  
•	 She was a master at flower arrangements. We had several Texas Exes fundraisers, and she agreed to make the table decorations for multiple events - they were beautiful.
•	She was independent. Ray pre-deceased her by 27 years, but she thrived (and dated) for many years.  
•	She was skilled at investing in the stock market - she did not have a computer, so did this by reading the paper and making phone calls. She was very successful.
Upon reflection, there were many ways in which Estelle &  I are alike:
•	She loved dogs. She had small dogs, we had larger dogs, but we both had appreciation for loyal dogs.
•	She loved gardening. She tirelessly worked her landscape; I became a Master Gardener in 2015, and appreciated her ability and passion.
•	She was a great cook - oh wait, we don't have that in common...
I regret not better appreciating Estelle's contributions; she clearly raised great children, and many traits have been passed through to the generations that followed.


Estelle was a dear friend. She will be greatly missed. Lots of great memories bridge games, Wednesday review, supper club with West Columbia, bay City, lake Jackson , FREEPORT friends. Rest In Peace sweet friend. Bill and Lee terry 

OBITUARY

Estelle Hamilton Brubaker

8 October, 1928 – 28 December, 2018

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