Estaleta Blanche Brown, age 88, of Neosho, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025. She was born on January 7, 1937, in Powersite, Missouri, to Troy Oscar and Josie Marie (Edwards) Melton.

Estaleta was united in marriage to Billy Brown on November 11, 1956, in Del Paso Heights, California. Together, they built a beautiful life, filled with love, music, and devotion to their family.

She was a dedicated and hardworking woman, employed as a cook in the food service department for the Neosho School District. She later worked as a seamstress for Shaffers & Nysingers in Neosho, before returning to the Neosho School District until her retirement.

Estaleta's passion for music was one of the greatest joys in her life. Along with her beloved husband Bill, she shared their love for bluegrass music, playing the acoustic guitar, piano, and dulcimer. The couple frequently attended bluegrass festivals, and loved jamming and visiting with old friends. They also played and sang together at various events and churches.  They also played at the Neosho Middle School during Pioneer Days. Their music was a gift they joyfully shared with all who would listen.

A woman of deep faith, Estaleta loved her Lord and Savior, and gave her testimony any chance she had saying, "I love Him because He first loved me." Estaleta was an active member of Faith Baptist Church in Neosho.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill, and their four children: Denzil Brown of Powersite, Missouri, Chris Brown of Neosho, Missouri, Joleta (Bobby) Harris of Neosho, Missouri, Monica (Ray) Brown of Joplin, Missouri, and a daughter-of-the-heart Gay Testerman of Neosho, Missouri. Estaleta is also survived by her sister, Donna Jean Stewart of Ozark, Missouri; 11 grandchildren: Rusty (Alicia) Harris, Trey (Haley) Harris, Dalton (Shelby) Harris, Eric (Jordan) Brown, Andrew (Emily) Reynolds, Logan (Darby) Reynolds, Mack (India) Reynolds, Silar Reynolds, Wyatt Reynolds, Preston Brown, and Leta Grace Brown; as well as 11 great-grandchildren: Casen Harris, Jack Harris, Garrett Brown, Mesa Harris, Della Harris, Valeria Brown, Peyton Reynolds, Dotty Harris, Reagan Brown, Knoxx Harris, and Barrett Reynolds. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends and loved ones.

Estaleta was preceded in death by her parents, and her daughter-in-law, Brenda Brown.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri. The funeral service will take place on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories.

Estaleta's life was a testimony to the power of love, faith, and music. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.