Estella R. Pagel, 94, of Holton, KS, passed away Friday, January 19, 2024 at Vintage Park in Holton, KS. She was born July 30, 1929, south of Wetmore, KS, in her grandmother- home. The daughter of Clyde Patton and Ethel Mae (Trapp) Ely.

Estella attended Hazel Row Grade School, graduated from Wetmore High School in 1946 and attended Clark- Business School in Topeka, KS.

She was a farmwife, who filled in where needed, trying to anticipate Don and the family- next moves and planned accordingly. She always had a meal ready or sewing up a garment at the last minute. Stories were told of almost fights over the last cinnamon roll she had baked for an event.

She was a member of Netawaka United Methodist Church, Eastern Star Zenith Chapter 184 for over 60 years, the Kansas Cowbelles/Cattlewomen and a Happy Go Lucky 4-H Leader.

Estella married Donald H. Pagel on March 19, 1950 in Netawaka, KS. She met him when moving into her apartment, as he was helping his sister. Don passed away October 15, 2009, after 59 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by infant twin daughters, Karen and Sharon Pagel (1955); infant granddaughter, Kelly Ane Kathrens (1981); brother, John Ely (2006) and sister, Melba Haas (2005).

Survivors include 2 sons, Wayne Pagel (Beth) and Henry Pagel (Margaret); daughter, Diane Kathrens (Steve) all of Holton, KS; sister, Mary Ann Tuck of Chico, CA; sister-in-law, Carolyn Andler of Parkville, MO; 9 grandchildren, Amy Crotts (Jeff) of Lake Lotawana, MO, Brandy Watkins (Aaron) of Holton, KS, Dean Pagel (Kelly) of Tempe, AZ, Will Pagel (Dora) of Edinburg, TX, Kurt Kathrens (Heidi) of Holton, KS, Jenny Pagel-Guile (Greg) of Washington, MO, Laney Hilty (Jeff) of Kansas City, KS, Melissa Tanking (Jason) of Lawrence, KS and Matt Pagel (Kelsey) of Wetmore, KS and 19 great-grandchildren, Jaret, Logan and Brooke Crotts, Carter and Raegan Watkins, Kyler, Bailey, Arabella and Jaxon Kathrens, Mauricio and Samuel Pagel, Greyson and Granger Guile, Sawyer, Lorelei, Maryn and June Tanking, Jude and Harrison Hilty.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow at the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. Estella will lie in state after 1:00 p.m. Sunday until 5:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Netawaka United Methodist Church or Holton Community Hospital c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.