Estella Ayala

With profound love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we celebrate the life of Estella Ayala, born October 1, 1942, in Bernal, Michigan to the late Antonio Valderas and Cesaria Cantu Valderas. She was a remarkable woman whose strength, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family defined everything she did. Estella was, above all else, a mother. Raising nine children with resilience and unconditional love, she built her life around providing for them, protecting them, and teaching them how to stand strong in this world. She instilled in each of them the value of hard work, responsibility, and integrity. She did not believe in handouts—she believed in earning what you have, showing up no matter how hard life gets, and never letting anyone walk over you. “No te vas a dejar,” she would say. Stand up for yourself. Stand up for your family. In 1978, she earned her GED, proving that determination has no expiration date. In the 1970s, she worked at LTV Vought on an all-male assembly line—an extraordinary and courageous accomplishment for a woman at that time. Fearless and bold, she stepped into spaces where few women stood and held her own with strength and humility. Her life was rooted in sacrifice, perseverance, and faith. A deeply God-fearing woman, she prayed often and entrusted her children and grandchildren to the Lord’s care. Her faith carried her through every hardship; she worked tirelessly, never complaining and never giving up. Her home was her masterpiece. No matter their age or circumstance, her children always knew they could come back home. If it were up to her, she would have had all her boys living with her forever—because family was her greatest joy. She bragged about her children every chance she got; their successes were her proudest accomplishments. Estella is survived by her loving children: Armando Ayala; Vincent Ayala and wife Jackie Hasten; Daniel Ayala and wife Veronica; Zena Young and husband Greg; Steven Alonzo; Anthony Ayala and wife Maria; Chris Ayala and wife Ruth; and Phillip Ayala and Gracie Hernandez, daughter-in-law Teresa Ayala; her cherished grandchildren: Jacqueline, Armando Jr., Monica, Matthew, Jeremiah, Benjamin, Rebeka, Tony, Amanda, Alana, Sophia, Ethan, Joshua, Danniele, Cameron, Jessica, Alyssa, Elizabeth, Christian, Blake, and Aaron; along with 16 great-grandchildren who were an extension of her pride and joy and her sisters, Rosario Alonzo and Mary Ayala. Estella was preceded in death by her parents Antonio Valderas, Cesaria Cantu Valderas, her son Benjamin Ayala and her brother Antonio Valderas. Estella had the biggest heart—compassionate, generous, selfless, forgiving, and fiercely loving. She was fearless, outspoken, strong, yet humble and simple in the way she lived. A true fighter and a hustler, when her children needed something, she always found a way to make it happen. She worked tirelessly, often sacrificing her own comfort so her family would never go without. She was sentimental to her core, cherishing every photo and card her family gave her. She loved sitting outdoors with her coffee, talking for hours with family and friends. She could spend hours on the phone or watching her “old people videos” on TikTok, laughing to herself. She loved finding a good sale and negotiating a deal—no one could haggle like she could. Her kitchen was the heart of her home. She loved cooking and teaching others to cook, feeding not only her children but anyone who walked through her door. One of the most cherished traditions she created was making tamales with her children and sisters during Christmas and New Year’s—a tradition filled with laughter, stories, and love. She especially enjoyed seafood and catfish from her favorite spot in Irving, always happy to share a good meal. Her favorite sayings will echo in the hearts of her family forever: “Mark my mouth.” “Don’t talk around the food.” And with a playful smile, “I have a juicy chisme to tell you.” What people will remember most is her fierce love for her family, her kindness and generosity, and the stories she told about growing up and raising her children. She was proud, independent, strong, and big-hearted—a woman with unshakable strength. A time of visitation and quiet reflection will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with a Memorial Service beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at First Baptist Church Grand Prairie, 950 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052 Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her. She built a life from grit and grace—and everything she did, she did for love.

Estella Ayala

October 1, 1942 - February 17, 2026