She was born on October 20, 1922 in Floresville, Texas to Melecio Galan and Marianna Valedez. Juaquina worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years as a Housekeeping Manager for Old Coach Motor Inn. She married Jose Ornelas and the two remained together until his passing. During their marriage, the couple welcomed 5 children into the world.
Juaquina had a knack for making everyone feel welcome and at home - she never met a stranger. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor and role as the keystone figure for her family.
Juaquina was preceded in passing by her parents, Melecio and Marianna Galan; husband, Jose Ornelas; son, Reynaldo G. Ornelas; and daughter, Adelina O. Holguin.
Left to cherish Juaquina's memory are her children, Estella Ibarra (Luis), Deana Reeves (partner Albert Salazar), and Elsa Ornelas; son-in-law, Henry Holguin; grandchildren, Marianna Martinez (Mario), Joe Louis Holguin, Vicente Holguin (Bertha), Ronald Roberts, James Aaron Reeves (Partner DeAnna), Elizabeth Keller (Scott), Jackie Escobedo (Alfred), Yvette Zuniga, Rosario Lovaris (Fernando), and Leticia Ornelas. Juaquina is also survived by her sister, Rosario Rios; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A rosary for Juaquina will be held at 7 PM Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Johnson's Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at St Mary's Catholic Church. Juaquina will be laid to rest in Knickerbocker Catholic Cemetery following the Mass.
Serving as pallbearers are Vicente Holguin (grandson), Ronald Roberts (grandson), James Aaron Reeves (grandson), Joe Anthony Holguin (great-grandson), John Henry Holguin (great-grandson), and Xavier Martinez (great-grandson).
