Esther B. Estrada

Esther was the fourth of eight children born to Jovita and Leopoldo Ayala and grew up in Kansas City, Kansas.

Esther met her future husband Gabriel Estrada when she applied for a job at Ed’s Florist. Gabe was the manager at Ed’s Florist and when he saw Esther it was love at first sight and knew he had to hire her for the job. Esther accepted the job and the marriage proposal that would follow. Together Esther and Gabe had a wonderful faith-filled marriage of 60 years. Esther was proud to be Catholic and made sure all six of her children went to parochial grade school and high schools (Christ the King, St. Thomas More, Rockhurst and St. Teresa’s).

Esther had a deep love and relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary. She loved her rosary and her novenas. Esther was the epitome of a hardworking woman who loved God first and Gabe second, cleaning might have been third. She devoted her life to raising her children. When grandchildren came along Esther was the perfect grandma, anything the children wanted, they got!

Esther was loving, generous of heart, kind, and a fantastic cook. She started running and entered many mini marathons at 50 years old. It was not unusual to not find mom at home because she was on the road running. Esther went to work after her children were grown and worked at Hall’s on the Plaza and Crown Center for 20 years. She loved working and met many wonderful people. Everyone loved Esther.

Esther leaves behind her children, John Estrada (Shirley), Martha Estrada-Robinson (Rick), Leo Estrada (Phyllis), and Aimée Fitzgerald (Troy). Grandchildren: Gabriel, Jennifer, Julie, Jason, Rick, Christina, Stephen, Maddie, Emily, Gabby, William, and Emma. Great grandchildren: Gabie John, Kaelyn, Frank, Sam, Rose, Evie, and Justin.

Esther is now reunited with her beloved husband Gabe Sr, son Gabe Jr, and daughter Estella Estrada Kornell.

Esther was a member of Nativity Parish in Leawood, Kansas. A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Church of The Nativity.

Mom, watch over us. We will never forget your gentle spirit and loving heart.