Estelle Ann Kaluza Smith of Dallas Texas, passed away June 14, 2021. She was born in the Czech community of Mt. Calm, Texas on October 13, 1925. Estelle graduated from Ball High School in Galveston, Texas where she grew up fostering a passion for swimming and ballroom dancing. How she loved to dance. If there was music her feet were moving and in November 2020 she danced to her last dance to her hearts content at her Granddaughter Stephanie’s wedding. She did sleep for 3 days afterwards but what a time she had!
When the war started and many of the men went to war, Estelle took a position as a file clerk with Santa Fe Railroad. When the war ended Raymond Smith came home to claim his job which Estelle occupied. She thought he was arrogant and did not like him much. They went to a few dances together and Raymond must have been a good dancer because as fate would have it, when Raymond got transferred to Houston he asked her to go with him. They were married October 26, 1946. They later got transferred with the Santa Fe Railroad to Dallas in 1952 where they purchased a home on Merrell Road, and lived happily together for 52 years until his death in 1998. Estelle’s only home until January 2021 when she fell ill and was unable to live unattended.
She worked in sales for Sarah Coventry Jewelry for more than 15 years and was a top earner winning many exciting vacations that she and Raymond enjoyed. She loved to travel and took many exciting adventures with family and friends to Europe, Czechoslovakia, Italy, and of course their mountain get away in Bella Vista, Arkansas.
She was a lifelong member of K.J.Z.T. #108 Czech Fraternal Organization, which she helped organize in Dallas and acted as President for more than 12 years. Estelle was an ardent organizer and leader in any activity she participated in. She was a devoted volunteer at St. Monica Parrish Catholic Daughters organization, and a member of the church since its inception in 1954. She was also the anchor of her neighborhood where she had many wonderful friends, and organized several block parties over the years. Estelle loved a good party!
She is survived by 3 children Janet Presley of Denver, Colorado, Bruce Smith of Coolidge, Texas, and Cynthia Urrutia of Odessa, Texas, also 11 Grandchildren, and 16 Great-Grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Scott Smith, her parents Joseph J. and Frances Kaluza of Texas City, Texas, son-in-law Leo W. Urrutia, daughter-in-law Linda F. Smith and former son-in-law Scott Presley. She was also preceded by her brothers Joseph (Jody) J. and Angeline Kaluza of Beaumont, and Gerome (Jerry) J. Kaluza of Texas City. Texas and his children Frances (Franny) Kaluza, and Christine Collins.
She lived an active life working in her garden as she loved flowers, and won Garden of the Month many times in her neighborhood. She was also very keen on health foods, home remedies, and an was always reading and trying new recipes. Estelle lived a full life so I guess it worked!
Funeral arrangements and mass will be held at 2:00 PM, June 26th, 2021 at Calvary Hill Cemetery, 3235 Lombardy Ave. Dallas, Texas 75220. An open casket viewing will start at 1:15 PM prior to the funeral and a graveside ceremony to follow.
Flowers can be sent to Sparkman Funeral Home, 1029 South Greenville, Ave. Dallas, Texas 75081.
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