Estella Ares, 74, of Temple, passed away on April 8th, 2026, at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. She was born in Temple, Texas, to Isabel Moreno and Juanita Rangel Moreno. She was one of eight children.

Born in Temple, Texas, she worked as a school nutrition specialist in the cafeteria at Temple High School, retiring in 2000 after 19 years. Even after she retired, many of her beloved students, whom she used to serve, would still recognize her while out and about, and they would all reminisce with her about the times she would give them cookies. Her favorite pastime was playing bingo with her husband all across Central Texas. Estella always enjoyed listening to her brother-in-law, Paul Donoso, and his band perform. Enjoying many unforgettable nights dancing together with her husband.

She is survived by her husband, Jose A. Ares; her two sons, John Velasquez Jr and wife Priscilla, and Jose M. Ares and wife Danielle; four brothers, Conrad Moreno and wife Maggie, Butch Garcia, Gilbert Moreno and wife Sonia, and Ronnie Moreno; three sisters, Mary Renteria and husband Eugene, Dianne Romero, and Sylvia Moreno; and her 7 grandchildren, Galonie Velasquez, Caillou Ares, Alexis Ares, Popee Velasquez, Devin Velasquez, Leilani Ares, and Dominik Ares.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister JoAnn Moreno Donoso and husband Paul.

A funeral service will take place at 6:00PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Harper Talasek Funeral Homes in Temple. Ms. Ares will be in state for viewing all day on Thursday, April 16, 2026.