Ofelia "Ofie" Villarreal Villarreal Lowe

Ofelia "Ofie" Villarreal Lowe, 56, loving wife, mother and grandmother of Midland went home to the Lord after a brief battle with cancer. Supported by her family and numerous friends, Ofie battled cancer for ten months. Her everyday smile, courage, and strength inspired all those with whom she came in contact.

Ofelia was born on June 25, 1955 at 8:10p.m. in Ozona, Texas to Vincente and Leonilla Villarreal. The family moved to Midland in 1957 and Ofie later graduated from Midland High School. In 1976, she was employed by the Department of Public Safety as a secretary. In 1977, Ofie graduated from the Midland Police Department Academy and was sworn in as an officer. She began her duties at Midland Air Terminal, and after a year she was transferred to the Patrol Division, becoming the first female Patrol Officer in the history of MPD. Ofie took a break from law enforcement to raise her three children and later returned to law enforcement in 1990 as a Deputy Constable, then transferred to the Sherriff’s Office in 1991, where she was employed until her passing.

Ofie was preceded in death by her brother, Vincente Villarreal Jr., 52, of Midland, who is survived by beloved wife and family member, Julie Villarreal. Ofie is also preceded in death by her father in law, Lloyd Roberts Lowe of Midland, Texas.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Terry Don Lowe of 31 years; her eldest son, Anthony Gonzales, and wife to be, Christina Kerns, and their daughters, Taylor and Alexa; her son, Lance Lowe, and wife, Diana, their son Andrew, and their daughters Isabell and Maribell; her daughter, Ashley Ward, and husband, Joshua, and their daughter, Katheryn; her parents, Vincente and Leonilla Villarreal; brothers, Harvey, Joe ,and Danny; sisters, Laura, Bertha, and Angela; as well as, seven nieces, seven nephews, and many many friends.

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, October, 12, 2011 from 2:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home. Service will be held Thursday, October, 13, 2011 at 1:00pm at St. Luke’s Methodist Church with interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.