Estelle Klaras departed the confinement of her earthly body into the arms of her loving Savior on August 24, 2016. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 27, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Father Theodore (Ted) Tsitsilianos officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Trisagion Service will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation on Friday, August 26, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Estelle was born July 16, 1927, in Waco, Texas. Estelle grew up in a home filled with the love of her parents, Pete and Maria “Mary,” brother, Nick, and sister, Pat. She attended Waco schools graduating from Waco High School and 4-C Business College. Estelle’s musical talent was recognized at an early age by the legendary Baylor piano instructor Roxy Grove, who encouraged her to continue to develop her gift. Although not attaining a formal music degree, she most definitely mastered the piano, with the ability to read complex classical pieces and dazzle her fans playing show tune requests “by ear” for many years. Estelle endeared herself to countless patrons of Nick's Restaurant for more than 30 years with her broad smile, friendly manner and quick sense of humor. When she was not serving customers, she could be found entertaining them with her beautiful piano music. After Nick's Restaurant closed at the end of 1996, Estelle continued to work for our friend Dan Henderson at Uncle's Dan's, serving customers and playing for them on the weekends. She was indeed a Waco treasure who shared her gifts of hospitality, friendship and music and will be dearly missed by her family and friends who loved her very much. Estelle was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Mary Klaras; brothers, Nick and George Klaras; brother-in-law, Cameron Grammas; cousins, Mary and Jim Klaras; and nephews, Steven Grammas and Cameron Klaras. Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Patsy K. Grammas; sister-in-law, Luanne Klaras; niece, Karen Goss and husband, Grant; nephew, Evan Klaras and wife, Kimberly; cousins, Vicki, Patricia (godchild) and George Klaras and wife, Wanda; and numerous great and great-great nephews, nieces and cousins. Pallbearers will be Nick Agalou, Steven Agalou, Morgan Klaras, George Klaras, Kent Klaras, Cameron Goss, Chris Goss, Branch Musil, Johnny Giotes, Dan Henderson and Greg Bohm. Honorary pallbearers are Elmer Spivey, Wallace Wells, Vincent Navarro and Dan Henderson, Jr. The family would like to thank the 2nd and 4th floor staff of St. Catherine Center for the special love and care they gave to Estelle; and their special thanks and love to Lois McCoy, her personal caregiver. Memorials may be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Klaras Children's Center or a charity of your choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www. WHBfamily.com.
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