Estella Castro Martinez, a deeply loving and faith-filled woman, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on April 07, 2026, at the age of 91 in Santa Paula, California. Her life was a beautiful testament to devotion, humility and unwavering love.

Estella was born on September 10, 1934, on Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula, California, she was the fourth of eight children born to Ygnacio and Rumalda Castro. Her father worked as a ranch hand and her mother a homemaker. This played a tremondous part of her courageous and determined way of living that was rooted in their hard work and sacrifice. In the early years the family followed the seasons of agricultural harvest from peaches to apricots.

These early experiences instilled in Estella a deep sense of perseverance, humility, and pride in her family's legacy of honest labor. From a young age, she carried within her a gentle strength and a compassionate heart that would come to define her life.

In July of 1955 , Estella married Felix Valverde Martinez, in Santa Paula, California. Together they shared 63 years of marriage before his passing. She was the cherished mother of four children: Jeannie, Frank, Felix jr and Diane. Estella was employed at Ventura Pacific for 45 years located in Montalvo,California.

Estella is survived by her daughters Jeannie Serrano, Diane(Pasqual)Guerrero and sister Dora Carrillo ; as well as her 9 Grandchildren, 16 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Grandchild Felix Michael; along with many beloved nieces and nephews, her legacy lives on in each of them.

She was preceded in death by her husband Felix Martinez, her  sons Frank Martinez and Felix Martinez Jr

Estella had a rare gift for making every person feel seen, valued, and cared for with open doors and an open heart, she generously shared not only her home but her deep faith, often speaking of God's love and the hope found in the gospel of Christ.  She found great joy in prayer gatherings, forming deep and meaningful bonds with her rosary sisters.

Estella found beauty in life's simple blessings, she loved tending to her yard, saying her rosary, praying for all of her family, enjoying all of her grandchildren,socializing, reminiscing about family memories and watching a good movie.  She also had a deep devotion for Jesus and Our Blessed Mother.

Estella's kindness, humility, and love touched countless lives. Known for her gentle spirit and witty sense of humor, she had many close friends to whom she adored as her own family. To know her was to feel comforted, encouraged, and deeply loved. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and grace that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.