Estella R. Wells

MARIA ESTELLA REYES WELLS EDINBURG - Maria Estella Reyes Wells, 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior July 2, 2013, at Arbor View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Edinburg. She was born on November 6, 1926 to Jose Reyes and Julia Salazar Reyes. After graduating from the then Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas with a bachelors and later a Masters degree, she returned to teach at Stephen F. Austin school for 20 years. In 1966 she married her childhood friend, Delaney Wells, who became her lifelong companion. Together they moved to Gary, Indiana where their pride and joy and only child was born making their happy lives complete. They later returned to Edinburg where Mrs. Wells taught at Freddy Gonzalez Elementary School until her retirement. Teaching first grade was her calling, inspiring many students even at that early age to realize their dreams into becoming successful adults, many of them presently successful leaders of our own community. She was not only dedicated to education, but also to her church, Templo Bethel. Through the years fond memories have been shared by many who benefited from the fruits of her labor in leading holiday programs, children's choirs, Sunday school classes, fundraisers and other activities. As a member she served as an official on the Board of Directors as secretary and also treasurer for many years. On June 23, 2013, the annual Graduation and Recognition Service honoring our graduates and recognized student was dedicated in her honor recognizing her as being the first in her church to become a teacher in 1948 with many others following her example. Mrs. Wells is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Delaney Wells; and her sister, Josefa (Noe) Garza. She is survived by her daughter, Julie Wells Cantu; her son-in-law Ruben Cantu; grandchildren, Sara Estela and Ruben Delaney, who lovingly called her "Ama,"; sister, Hortencia (Ramiro) Reyna; and several nieces, nephews and cousins to whom she has been a role model and mentor. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service today, July 4, 2013, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, July 5, 2013, at Templo Bethel, 1018 East Kuhn St. in Edinburg. Officiating will be her pastor, Lic. Levi Castillo and pastor, Ricardo Casillas of Houston Texas. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg. Our heartfelt thanks to all members of her family and friends for their help during her illness. The director of all the staff at Arbor View went above and beyond to make her as comfortable as possible. Also, thanks to Dr. Yazji , Dr. Alanbari, and Dr. Barazi for their reassurance throughout her illness. Our gratitude to her providers, Marta Morales and Rosa Garcia for their special care. Pallbearers will be: Albert Azua Jr., Anthony SanMiguel, Mario Alvarado, Orlando Reyna, Rigo Tamayo, Jr., Philip Longoria. Honorary pallbearers will be Dist. Atty. René Guerra, Chris Trevino, Rogelio (Kelin) Salazar, and Gil Hernandez in whom she took pride in referring to them and other former students, as examples of her many successes as a teacher. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.