Estela Kyles

With a contagious zest for life coupled with a vibrant spirit, Estela Kyles was a blessing to everyone she met. She was gracious, kindhearted, and generous with a heart that beat to love others in ways both great and small. Known as Lita to her children and grandchildren, the love and devotion she had for her family was easy to see, and it truly had no equal. No matter what came her way, Stella could always find the positive side, and she faced whatever came her way with both a quiet strength and a graceful courage that were inspiring. Life will never be the same without Stella here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever cherish.

It seems only fitting that Stella’s story began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the 1950s when James Dean made young girls swoon on the silver screen, shows like Father Knows Best redefined the American family, and Elvis was king. This was also the decade when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus and when we welcomed Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states. It was in 1952 that Felix and Micaela (Salinas) Mireles were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of fall unfolded in the city of Racine, Wisconsin. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Estela drew her first breath on September 29th. She was the seventh of twelve children in her family and was raised alongside her siblings, Julian, Juan, Carlos, Jessie, Oscar, Felix, Victor, Beatrice, Gloria, Raquel, and Juanita. In many ways, Estela, or Stella as she was often known, was a young girl of her generation. As a teen she enjoyed things like singing, dancing, and drawing. Stella also attended local schools.

New and exciting changes were in store for Stella when she met the young man of her dreams. His name was Matthew L. Kyles, and sparks flew right from the start. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Stella and Matthew were united in marriage on May 22, 1974. Together they welcomed three children including Mickie in 1970, Angel in 1974, and Jessica in 1976 into their hearts and home. Stella, affectionately called Lita by her children, was an active part of her children’s lives. As someone who had a love for learning and was a teacher by nature, she studied with her children every day. Stella also loved to cook, which was something that her family always greatly appreciated!

In addition to caring for her family, Stella enjoyed nurturing and caring for others as well. She worked as a CNA at Lincoln Lutheran Home and also furthered her education at Gateway Technical School, graduating with a degree as a registered nurse in 1993. Stella spent many years working for Wheaton Franciscan Hospital. Her dogs, Sammie and Princio, were like additional members of her family, and she treasured their companionship. Later in life Stella was thrilled to become a grandmother to seven grandchildren as well as to one great-grandson.

Throughout her life Stella was a woman of many interests. She was a longtime member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church where she also supported and encouraged others. Stella enjoyed crocheting, knitting, crocheting, and reading as well as watching her favorite television show, Oprah. Stella’s favorite movies were Double Jeopardy, Speed, and The Client as she loved a good suspenseful and action packed adventure. In fact, she was a bit of a free-spirited adventurer herself since she rode a motorcycle simply because she could! In every way, Stella was a firm believer in living in the moment!

Described as a funny and outgoing, strong-willed yet kindhearted woman, Estela Kyles was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was a God-fearing woman who was never worried about the things of this world, rather, her focus was on living in the moment while holding her loved ones near. Stella could be so funny, saying things like, “Words don’t have feelings, they have definitions,” and her constant enthusiasm and encouragement was something that her family and friends cherished. Stella will be forever missed.

Estela Kyles died on Thursday, September 24, 2015. Stella’s family includes her husband, Matthew; children, Michelle Mireles, Angela Kyles, Jessica Kyles, Dexter Montgomery; 6 grandchildren, Marshauna Kyles, Marquon Kyles, Shikeyla Kyles, Keiera Egerson, Kirah Egerson, Anissa Morgan; great grandson, Patrick Lockridge-Beverly Jr.; siblings; Julian (Patti) Mireles, Juan Mireles, Carlos (Mary) Mireles, Jessie (Patty) Mireles, Oscar Mireles, Felix (Alyse) Mireles, Victor (Bertha) Mireles, Beatrice (Richard) Buttenhoff, Gloria (Rocendo) Villarreal, Raquel (Paul) Seydewitz, Juanita (Ryan) Smith; Uncle, Juan(Colecta) Mireles;in-laws, Robert “RJ” Kyles, Ruby Moore, Geneva Nesbitt, Bessie Johnson, Mary Joe Goree, Robert Rogers, John Rogers; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. In addition to her parents, Stella was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Anissa Morgan. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, Friday October 2, 2015, 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Mark Jones officiating. Relatives and friends may meet at the church at 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or photo.