Estelle Marie Allen Martin, daughter of the late Frank J. Haba and Sophie M. Supak Haba, was born on September 17, 1930 in Moulton,Texas, and departed this life on November 4, 2015 at Cypress Point Skilled Nursing Center in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 85 years.
In 1948 Estelle was united in marriage to Donald Allen in Witting,Texas, and to this union 7 children were born. Mr. Allen preceded her in death in 1986. She was then married to Barney Martin in 1993. Mr. Martin also preceded her in death in 2002.
Estelle graduated from Baldwin Business College in Yoakum, Texas. She and Don moved to Dexter in 1952 with their 3 small children, but neither ever lost their deep love of Texas. She worked as the librarian at Dexter Senior High School for 35 years. She was a member of St. Ann's Altar and Rosary Sodality, Church Women United, Golden Circle, a faithful member and goodwill representative of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and a resident of Dexter.
Survivors include one son, Don Allen of Urbana, Illinois; four daughters, Marilyn (Steve) Austin of Tucson, Arizona, Karen (Chet) Fleming of Celina, Ohio, Denise (Neal) Ayers of Dexter, and Mary Jo Allen of Dallas, Texas; one brother, Frank (Susan) Haba of Lavernia, Texas; one sister, Adelle Seitz of Yoakum, Texas; seven grandchildren, Greg (Karen) Austin of San Marcos, California, Melissa (Willis) Whalen of Aldie, Virginia, Carrie (Mario) Morelli of Plymouth, Michigan, Gina Fleming of New Albany, Ohio, Mitch (Jen) Fleming of London, Ohio, Josh Ayers and Blake Ayers both of Dexter; eleven great-grandchildren, Madeline and Grant Ayers, Skylar, Austin, and Bryce Whalen, Grace and Brady Morelli, Logan and Savanna Christ, and Peyton and Jacob Fleming; and many much-loved nieces and nephews. Estelle is also survived by her longtime dearest friend, Barbara Bath of Dexter.
Besides her husbands and parents, she was also preceded in death by two daughters, Diane Marie and Jean Yvonne; also by one sister, Viola Rose.
Estelle was a passionate supporter of St. Jude's Children's Hospital, the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, World Visions, Federal Way, and the Barney Martin Scholarship.
She was blessed with many talents, including gardening, seamstress creations for multiple generations of her family, her well known pies, and making her family's favorite strawberry and peach preserves. She generously shared her time and talents with her church community. She touched many lives with her kindness and unconditional love, and will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held on Sunday evening, November 8, 2015 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dexter from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with the Rosary being said at 7:00 P.M.
Funeral Mass will be conducted on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 9:30 A.M. with Father David Dohogne officiating.
Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.
