Nina May Ontiveros

ARLINGTON -- Nina May Ontiveros, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, after a brief illness. She was a courageous fighter who gave her family strength throughout her illness. Nonnie was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.

Graveside service: 10:15 a.m. Monday, Dec. 10, in D/FW National Cemetery.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

She was born Nina May White on Nov. 18, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio. Raised in Ohio, later her family moved to El Paso, where she graduated from high school and first met the love of her life, her husband, Mel. Married in 1959, Mel and Nina raised their children in El Paso, Clear Lake, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands and Huntsville, Ala. During all the moves Nina never failed to get involved in her children's activities, scouting, school and, of course, chauffeur. Throughout her life, Nina was always there to support her children with unlimited love and "limited advice." Her personality, sense of humor and capacity to love and care for her family fills each of her children and husband, Mel. She will be missed dearly and remembered daily by her loving family and friends.

Survivors: Her husband of 53 years, Melchor Tomas Ontiveros; son, Mel Tomas Ontiveros and wife, Susan Ontiveros, of Huntsville, Ala.; daughter, Melanie Ontiveros Lillard and husband, Thomas Lillard, of Dallas; grandchildren, Michael Ontiveros, Elena Ontiveros, Matthew Lillard, Zachary Lillard and Campbell Lillard; sister, Alice Gietz; brother, Raymond White; nieces and nephews; and many friends.