Estella Vela

Forever in our Hearts, Estella

Benton LA- A Memorial Mass for Estella Vela will be held on Saturday, June 14,2025 at 11am at St Jude Catholic Church in Benton, Louisiana. Visitation with the family will begin at 10am.

Estella Vela, born on August 10, 1931, in Hebbronville, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, in Shreveport, LA. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and community spirit. She was the cherished daughter of Luis Chapa and Martina Chapa Cantu.

Estella graduated from HM King High School in Kingsville, Texas, and went on to earn her degree in Education from Texas A&I University. She and her beloved husband, Francisco (Frank) L. Vela, were high school sweethearts and happily married for 60 years. Together they took immense pride in their children and grandchildren, always supporting their achievements.

Following her passion for teaching, Estella began her career as a home economics and bilingual teacher. She paused her career to raise her six children, then returned to teaching when her older children went to college.

Estella was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church, where she found joy in singing with the choir. She also served her community as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a proud member of the Red Hat Society and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus.

Known for her quick wit, engaging personality, and infectious sense of humor, Estella brightened every room with her warmth and charisma. Her vibrant spirit was reflected in her fashion-forward style, complete with a cherished collection of clothes, shoes, purses, and jewelry.

An accomplished seamstress and master in the kitchen, Estella took pride in crafting traditional Mexican dishes passed down through her family. She enjoyed spending time with friends, casino outings, shopping, reading, and cheering on her beloved Dallas Cowboys.

Estella was preceded in death by her loving husband, Francisco (Frank) Vela, her son in law, Mike Gleason, her grand daughter Caroline Craighead, and her parents, Luis Chapa and Martina Chapa Cantu. She is survived by her loving children Pamela Massery (Keith), Velma Hines (Rudy), Debra Craighead (Chris), Elaine Diaz (Steve), Marla Riedel (Todd), and Francisco (Frank) Vela Jr.; grandchildren Blake Hines, Sarah Chidlow (Andrew), Whitney Busada (Mitch), Paige Gramling (Landon), Christopher Craighead (Gaelin), Shelby Diaz (Madison), Molly Gleason, Randi Cunningham (Varn), Colby Diaz (Madison), Joe Craighead, Julia and Jack Riedel; and great-grandchildren Warren, Vela, and Luke Busada, Anna Chidlow, Caroline and Christopher Craighead III, Lilly Gramling, Rowan and Knox Diaz who all will continue to cherish her memory and the lasting impact she made on their lives.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all the professionals involved in the her care, especially Dr. Diana Lim, Emily Neal, N.P., Earl Alexander, R.N., and the staff at The Blake of Bossier City, and The Oaks of Louisiana for their loving care and support of our beautiful Mom.

As an ultimate gift of service, Estella donated her body to science in the hopes of helping others. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Jude Catholic Church in Benton, LA.