Estela Juarez Gott, also known by many as Stella, has passed away on February 20, 2026 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bryan, Texas. She was born in Rio Hondo, Texas on September 9th, 1947.

Stella is preceded in death by her loving husband Gary O. Gott, her parents Jesus Juarez, Sr. and Atila Sanchez Juarez as well as one brother Donald Juarez, Sr.

Stella leaves behind a large family that includes two daughters Norma Jean Calhoun and her husband Ed, known as Bubba, Crystal Pineda known as Chris and her husband Domingo Jr., and three sons Valentin Vega, Jr. known as  Boy and partner Rachel Corona, John Frank Adian, Jr. known as J R and wife Stacey, and Aubry Earl Hayden, II.  There are twelve grandchildren: Jack, Justin, Rachel, Christopher, Matthew, Nina, Serena, Vincent, Kane, Jenna, Scarlett, and Hayden also nine great grandchildren: Amelia known as Millie, Wyatt known as Wylee, Samantha, Jackson, Chrystellina known as  CC, Elias known as  EJ, James Jr. known as Diesel, Jonathon Jr. known as  JJ, and Emerie.  However with Gary by her side, she took pleasure in raising grandsons Aubry Earl Hayden, III, Jonathon Kane Vega, and Vincent Ray Vega.  Surviving siblings are Benito Juarez known as Vene and wife Connie, Ester Ramirez known as Ter, Oralia Ferrazas and husband Alex, Jesus Juarez, Jr. known as Une and wife Glenda, Juan Juarez, Sr. and wife Angie, Flora Juarez, and Leandro Juarez known as Lee and his partner Maribel Decristofaro.  As well as, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

She appreciated time with her family and enjoyed fishing, bingo, Yatzee, Rummikub, Lotería, casinos, spades, dominoes, and actually just any game that involved family, laughs and music.  Stella loved dancing and a variety of music such as Ray Price, Ramon Ayala and many others. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday as she took pride in cooking the turkey, dressing, and gravy. Basically her life was filled with spending time with family, lots of food, games and music. 

Stella was strong, helped everyone and was known to be a Leader.  Driven by necessity, she left school after the third grade to help her family by working in the fields and helping her younger siblings.  Quickly she taught herself how to read, write, do math and calculating measurements.  Allowing her to work 42 years at Alenco, now known as Ply Gem.

After being blessed with 78 years of life, Stella is in heaven with Gary by her side.  Happily they’re  dancing, fishing, and enjoying the music.

Family and friends please come together by cherishing her memories, believing that we will see her again and proudly continue her legacy of “Family First”. 

A Celebration of Life for Stella will be on March 7, 2026 from 5pm to 8pm at Trevino-Smith Funeral Home in Bryan.