Estella Navarro

Estella Navarro, age 93, passed away early Sunday morning, May 31, 2026, after an extended illness. Estella was born in Guanajuato, Mexico on September 24, 1932, to the late Jose and Aurora Gonzalez.

Estella arrived in the United States at the age of 12 and resided in East Chicago, Indiana.  On October 18, 1949, she married Elison Navarro, who preceded her in death on September 2, 2005. In their 55 year marriage, they raised their family of 5 children in Griffith, Indiana. Estella was very proud of her cooking skills and never let anyone leave hungry. She fed numerous family members and their friends over the years. People still talk about her tamales because you will never have another one like it !

Estella was the Matriarch of her family, who take great pride in caring for her home, children, neighbors, and friends. She managed to do this with style, grace and always dressed to perfection.

Estella is preceded in death by her daughter, Martha; sisters, Peggy and Eva; and her brother, Chago.

Estella is survived by her loving children, Nolan (Kathy), Elsa, Joe, and Norman (Angie). She was blessed by numerous grandchildren, Laura (Mike), Alex (Kris), Christina (Andy), Matthew, Ramona (Mike), Matthew (Carli), Noel, Meghan (Christian), Madison and Natalie; she adored and loved all 11 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends may visit the family on Thursday, June 4, 2026, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. with Prayer Services promptly from 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408.

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