Mary Ester Acosta, a quiet, generous, and loving partner, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away following a lengthy debilitating illness, a day short of her 73rd birthday. On Thursday, April 29th, 2020, surrounded by loved ones, she was called to be with our Heavenly Father.
Ester was born on April 30th, 1947 to Cecilia and Dennies Rodriguez in Houston, Texas. She was one of twelve children. Ester grew up in a household of music. Her father, Dennies, was so musically talented, that he could make music out of anything. No instrument evaded his abilities. This created her lifelong love of all forms of music.
Ester loved her family with every beat of her heart. She was incredibly generous and caring, giving every thought to others wellbeing. Even as her health declined and she barely had the strength, she wanted to give back to those who cared and prayed for her. Ester loved Easter. It was her holiday. Even though her health had been in decline for over fourteen years, she still would muster the Joy of bringing her entire family together to celebrate.
She loved, traveling, visiting family, loved gardening with Gilbert and had great joy of being outside with him tending to their plants. Ester also enjoyed traveling to Win star with her family and good friend Connie Kinsey.
Ester loved to be with her grandchildren and great granddaughter and her love of music, had her attending every music venue her grandsons participated in, front and center. She was incredibly involved and supportive of her granddaughter and great-granddaughter’s activities. It gave her purpose, comfort, strength and most importantly joy. She loved them all dearly. Ester was preceded in death by her parents; Cecilia and Dennies Rodriguez and her siblings Clyde Rodriguez, Dolores Fernandez, Gabe Rodriguez and Julia Lopez.
Ester is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of twenty-four years, Gilbert Castillo, her daughters Michell Acosta and Marina Ortiz (husband Jonathan Ortiz) and step-children Chastity Castillo (husband Gilbert Romero), Gerard Castillo (wife Ami), Tara Calkins (husband Christopher). She will also be missed by her grandchildren Brandi Acosta, Brandon Acosta, Mathew Ortiz, Andrew Ortiz, John-John Ortiz, Kyrsten Castillo, Tyler Castillo, Joaquin Castillo, Maya Castillo and great-granddaughter Carli Acosta. She also leaves behind her brothers: Gilbert (Beto) Rodriguez (wife Janie), Rudy Rodriguez (wife Estella), Sisters: Lupe Gregory (husband Bob), Lucy Villarreal (husband Julian), Margaret Mercado, Norma Rendon, Margie Rodriguez (sisters-in-law) as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church members and friends.
Pall Bearers: Gregory Fernandez, Gabe Rodriguez, Art Rendon, Daniel Villarreal, Joe Louis Rodriguez, Robert Gonzales Honorary pallbearers: Julian Villarreal Jr. & Ernest Acosta.
Ester’s sincere and unabashed generosity will not be forgotten and will be cherished by all whom she touched.
During this difficult time of abundant caution due to the Corona Virus, the family has requested a private service limited to 40 family members. Her visitation will take place on Monday, May 4, 2020 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle Texas. Ester’s funeral service will follow on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 12:00 PM also at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Immediately following will be a graveside service at Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale, Texas.
You may show your support by joining the “Hugs from Home” program located on Ester’s memorial webpage where your message will be given to the family during the service to remind them of your love and support for them. You may also join Ester’s services via live stream on her memorial webpage at www.harrellfuneralhomes.com. If you would like to receive text updates from the family regarding service details, please sign up on her obituary page at Harrell Funeral Home’s website. We encourage you to reach out and show your support to the family during this difficult time. Additional ways you can show you care; send flowers directly to the family, view a tribute video from the family, or share a memory in the tribute section.
Please visit www.harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Ester’s family on her online memorial site.
Funeral assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 ph: (512) 268-8200
