Estella was born in Hartshorne, Oklahoma July 20, 1926. She passed away in Gilroy on October 12, 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward J. Hoey 1917-1999, her daughter, Marjorie Siverson 1950-2022, and her brothers Johnie, Calvin, and Lora. She is survived by her daughter Barbara (Richard Armenta) and son James Hoey (Debbie), grandchildren, John, Thomas, Marcus, Clara, Emma and great grandchildren Abby, Eliana, Colin, Iris, and Marjorie Jo.

Estella loved being a mother and homemaker. She was happiest when friends and family gathered at the table for feast and fellowship. She would shine on those occasions. A favorite was the Easter picnic held outdoors on the ranch hillside. Thanksgiving and Christmas were command performances for the family and friends. She decorated the home and dining room table in festive table coverings she sewed by hand. Fruit from the orchards and vegetables from her garden were enjoyed and shared. The border of Estella's vegetable gardens were decorated with colorful zinnias and aromatic sweet peas. Estella's collection of recipes, Mason canning and pickling jars, and cookware attests her enjoyment of the culinary arts. The grandchildren cherished their times baking cookies with Estella and called her "Cookie."

Estella was the daughter of Mae Barnes and Lora Gragg. After graduating from Hartshorne High in 1944, Estella taught in a one roomschool at Blue Mountain High. She then worked in Oklahoma City as a telephone operator and attended Mary Harden Baylor College. In 1946 she relocated to California following her brothers. She attended Heald's Business College in San Francisco and graduated with a secretarial certificate. Estella worked in a label factory doing typing and filing, then was employed by Pan American Airlines in the legal office.

Estella married Edward J. Hoey on July 2, 1949. The ceremony was held in Ed's family's home on the Ousley-Hoey ranch on Hecker Pass. Ed and Estella built their modern home in 1949 and raised their children there. The family worked together on the farm.

Estella was involved in community activities in Gilroy. The PTA, the voting booths, the book and study club, FRFG and the Gabilan chapter of the DAR. She belonged to the Gilroy Baptist Church for 75 years, one of its first members and a dedicated Sunday school teacher.

Estella loved her home and was proud of the heritage she shared with Gilroy's country lifestyle. Estella is remembered as a woman with a strong spirit and kind heart.

Memorial to be held in the First Baptist Church, 8455 Wren Avenue, Gilroy, CA on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 3 PM.

Donations in memory of Estella may be made to the Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, 3800 North May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112