Estella Royal

Estella Marie Royal died Tuesday morning on January 22, 2013 at the age of 97 at home in Los Lunas, NM. Estella was born on November 7, 1915 in Steubenville, IN to Andrew Pfefferkorn and Louise Vanderbosch. She graduated from Ashley High School in Ashley, IN in 1933. On May 29, 1937 she married Louis Royal at St. Michael's Catholic Church near Waterloo, IN. She moved to Deming, NM with her family in 1959 and lived in the Albuquerque area for the past 50 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Royal who died in 1969; and her oldest grandson, Gregory Schiffli. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Carl Pfefferkorn, Ralph Pfefferkorn, Norbert Pfefferkorn, and Andrew Pfefferkorn. Surviving Estella are her daughters, Carole Royal and husband O.C. of Los Lunas and Emily Bailey and husband William of Cocoa, FL; and her son, Dennis Royal of Albuquerque. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jeff Schiffli of Veguita, NM, Gary Schiffli and wife Gail of Veguita, NM, John Schiffli of Belen, NM, Scott Bailey and wife Amber of Deltona, FL, and Sandy Mirabito and husband Frank of Cocoa, FL; eight great-grandchildren; and one-great-great grandson. Also surviving are her brothers, Aelred Pfefferkorn and Leo Pfefferkorn; and sisters, Mildred Miller and Susie Lambert, all living in northeast Indiana. Estella received an Associates of Arts degree from TVI (now CNMCC) in 1971 after the death of her husband and worked for many years at Dillard's Department Store. She was a master seamstress and made many wedding dresses, prom dresses, and cheerleading outfits. She enjoyed gardening and playing bridge. Estella was an ardent fan and listened to all New Mexico Lobo basketball games. She was a member of Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church. Services will be held Friday, January 25, 10:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, 811 Guaymas Pl. NE. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque. Preferred memorials are masses or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.