Elisa C. Esparza

It is with great sadness that the family of Elisa C. Esparza announce her passing on June 3,2024 after a full life of 95 years. 

 A resilient and spirited woman who was born on January 6, 1929, in Fort Stockton, TX, to Antonio and Maria Castelo, Elisa (Licha) peacefully departed from this world on Monday evening. 

Licha as she was known by close friends & family, was known for her fiery spirit, unwavering strength, and outspoken nature. She found joy in preparing delicious meals and creating beautiful garments through her love for cooking and sewing. Her sweet tooth was no secret, as she delighted in crafting delectable sweets and desserts for all her family to enjoy. Also always feeding and spoiling her children and grandchildren’s friends when they came over. 

Elisa cherished her family. Her love and care for her children and grandchildren knew no bounds, and their bond was unbreakable. 

Elisa Esparza leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and passion that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and adored her. She leaves behind her children, Yolanda Sustaita and husband, Raul, Miguel Herbey Esparza and wife, Yolanda, Hector Esparza and wife, Kathy, Yvonne Carrillo and husband, Sergio, Aldo Esparza, Yvette Ellis and husband, Terry, and Elaine Wooten. Elisa was not only a grandmother but also a mother to many of her 16 grandchildren, Veronica, Lisa, Michael, Christopher, Steven, Holly, Andrea, Melinda, Angela, Ashton, Thomas, Driana, Jenson, David, Alex, and Anna and her 23 great grandchildren. Licha has many nephews and nieces that she loved fondly, cared for, and kept up with. Also, she dearly loved and cared for her brother-in-laws and her sister-in-laws.   

Elisa is preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Esparza; her parents, Antonio and Maria Castelo; her siblings, Andres Castelo, Maria Lila Acosta, Juanita Salmon, Juan Castelo, Guadalupe (Lupe)Urias, Enrique Castelo, Rita Garza, Josephina (Fina) Grado, Mike Castelo, Olivia Cordero, and Paula Castelo. Licha, while not the youngest of 12, was the only living sibling left of her family.  

A visitation for Mrs. Esparza will begin on Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, and on Monday, June 10, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at Harkey Funeral Home.  Rosary is scheduled for Monday, June 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM at St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Catholic Church.  Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Charles R Michael officiating, burial to follow at Monahans Memorial Cemetery.   

Services are entrusted to Harkey Funeral Home.  If you would like to send your condolences to the family, you may do so by signing her guestbook at www.harkeyfunerals.com.