Odilia Bustamante Olivares

Odilia Bustamante Olivares, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at the age of 89. Her gentle spirit, tender heart, and comforting presence were precious gifts to everyone blessed to know her.

Odilia was born on January 12, 1937, in Harlingen, Texas, to Rodolpho Bustamante and Margarita C. Ocon. It was also in Harlingen that she met the love of her life, Fidel Campos Olivares Jr., who later served his country in the United States Army. They married on August 11, 1954, in Brownsville, Texas, and shared more than 62 years of marriage before Fidel’s passing.

Together, Odilia and Fidel built a beautiful life centered on love and family. They were blessed with four children: Elsa “Belinda” Wilson (Nathaniel); Cynthia E. Mercer; Blanca E. Williams (Jerry); and Gustavo “Gus” Olivares (Helen).

Odilia was the heart of her family. She was loving, gentle, patient, kind, and endlessly welcoming. Her presence could warm a room, and her tender way of caring for others made everyone feel safe, accepted, and at home. She loved deeply and quietly, sharing her affection through comforting words, thoughtful gestures, and the warmth she gave so freely.

To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was a treasured source of love, strength, and belonging. The memories they shared with her, and the lessons of kindness, patience, and devotion she gave them, will remain in their hearts forever.

Odilia endured the profound sorrow of losing her beloved husband and each of her four children. She was preceded in death by Fidel, who passed away on January 28, 2017; Gus, who passed away on May 13, 2015; Blanca, who passed away on January 13, 2019; Belinda, who passed away on October 28, 2022; and Cindy, who passed away on December 11, 2022. Through every season of loss, Odilia’s enduring love for her family remained a beautiful testament to the strength of her heart.

She is lovingly remembered by her sisters and by her grandchildren: J.R. Mercer; Amy Renee Mercer (Jeff); Natalie Nicole Kendricks (Corvez); Leah Olivares; Dr. Marcus Nathaniel Wilson (Alesha); Thomas Nathaniel Wilson (Valyncia); Benton Williams Olivares (Darcy); and Sarah Nicole Williams. She also leaves behind six beloved great-grandchildren, along with many relatives and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Odilia is at peace and reunited with the husband and children she loved so dearly. Her beautiful life will continue to shine through the generations she nurtured and through every act of gentleness and kindness offered in her memory.

Odilia will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held close in our hearts.

Visitation will be held at Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, 4216 South Bowen Road, Arlington, TX 76016, on September 11, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Funeral service to follow at 11:00 A.M.

A Committal Service will follow at Dallas FT-Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 7521, at 1:00 P.M.