Estela Lopez Buitron

Estela Lopez Buitron, 85, originally of Brownsville, Texas, passed away on June 8, 2025. Estela was born in Brownsville, Texas on February 29th, 1940. She was born into a large traditional family as the oldest daughter and helped take care of her younger siblings. She attended Via Maria High School and married her high school sweetheart, Ramon Ayala Buitron in August 1961. Soon Estela became a mom of 4 children, Raymond, Ricardo, Rolando, and Rachel. As a young mom, she enjoyed attending the kids’ sporting events. Throughout her life, Estela was a pioneer woman working as a successful local businesswoman in her parent’s grocery store chain, Lopez Supermarkets in Brownsville. Eventually, her and Ramon operated their own grocery store, Lopez Supermarket in Harlingen, Texas. Together, they faithfully ran that location for more than 20 years. Aside from the long hours at work, Estela enjoyed crocheting, breeding her beloved miniature collies, and spending time with her family and friends. Estela is survived by three of her children, sons Raymond III, (Mary), Roland (Janice), and her daughter, Rachel Sauced (her late husband, Michael). Estela was blessed with 9 grandchildren: Ray IV, Angelica, Alexandra, Amanda, Vanessa, Cassey, Elvin, Mackenzie, and Destiny and one great-grandchild, Olivia. She is also survived by her younger sisters, Sylvia, Alicia, Margie, and Gracy and her younger brother, Miguel. Estela is preceded in death by her parents, Tomasa A Lopez & Felipe R. Lopez as well 3 of her brothers, Arturo Lopez, Felipe Lopez, and Johnny Lopez and her sister, Janie Martinez. The Buitron and Lopez family would like to thank their friends and extended family for all the warm thoughts and prayers that surrounded the family during these last difficult days. As a Christian family, we are comforted knowing Estela is in God's loving Kingdom in Heaven with her husband, Ramon and son Ricardo. Visitation will take place for family and friends at Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. A prayer service honoring Mrs. Buitron will begin at 6:30 PM and will be officiated by her loving granddaughter, Pastor Angelica Buitron. All funeral services will conclude this evening.