Remembering Estrella: Sister Works To Buy Head Stone For Her Baby Sister

The Ponca Hills girl wants to make sure her sister is remembered in the proper way.

CREATED Jul. 5, 2012

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  • The Ponca Hills girl wants to make sure her sister is remembered in the proper way. Video by kmtv.com

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Omaha, NE -- A girl on a mission to make sure her sister is not forgotten.    The 12-year-old is asking for your help to honor her sister.  The Ponca Hills girl wants to make sure her sister is remembered in the proper way.

Kaleah Del Angel was just four when her baby sister, Estrella died.  Since then Kaleah's been a foster child and adopted. Thanks to her new mother she finally found her sister's grave.

On a bed of yellow roses, a picture shows Kaleah Del Angel smiling knowing where her baby sister is buried. Kaleah said that day was filled with mixed emotions. "I was sad, really really sad it was like old feelings coming back up because I really miss her and I had a great time when she was alive, but I was also happy that I got to actually find her grave," said Del Angel.

But finding little Estrella was a challenge.  "She's like pretty much lost.  Nobody knows where she is except for somebody in a dusty desk with all the records," said Kaleah with a slight laugh.

Estrella doesn't have a head stone, only flowers and sinking dirt show someone is there. 
With sadness in her voice Estrella's older sister explained, "She was in this world and she was a really great person and she should be recognized she should leave her mark, even if it's a headstone."

Kaleah's adopted mother Wendy Keeler found where Estrella was buried.  She brought the 12-year old to visit shortly after Memorial Day and said the lack of a head stone on Estrella's grave has driven Kaleah.  "This became her goal, adults have offered to pay for this and she politely declined," said Wendy.

"I feel like it's my job she was my sister and i really owe it to her to put some work into it and to really make her life worth it," insisted Kaleah.

Knowing a head stone and cup for flowers will cost thousands of dollars, Kaleah is organizing a car wash.  Anyone who hears about Kaleah's mission opens up their wallet.  Including a woman who came up to our car before our interview, cash in hand and a simple message for Kaleah.  That people are supporting her and will help her buy Estrella's head stone.

For Kaleah, a head stone means the world won't forget her baby sister, a sister she loves and remembers always.   "She's my little sister and if it's the only thing I can do for her I really want to do it," a determined Kaleah said.

Kaleah's car wash for her sister Estrella will be Saturday July 28th at the Ponca Hills Volunteer Fire Department, 12919 Ponca Road.  It will be from 9am to 2pm.  Volunteers are needed.  You can call Wendy at 402-453-0978 or email them at kaleahdelangel@yahoo.com.

Extra money from the fundraiser will be donated to Children's Hospital's Juvenile Diabetes Center,  because it's where Estrella spent a lot of time.   Kaleah also hopes to one day have a small plaque with her sister's name on it inside the hospital.

Reported By: Liz Dorland, ldorland@action3news.com