Maria M. Ornelas

Our beautiful wife, mother and grandmother went home to be with our Lord on January 27, 2014. She had a peaceful journey surrounded by her family just as she had wished and prayed for. We have no doubt that she is now in heaven. She was a woman with a strong Catholic faith and a believer of the power of prayers.

Maria was born in Lyons, Kansas on September 27, 1929. She often shared of her wonderful experiences and memories growing up in Lyons with her parents, brothers and sister. In the late 1930’s her family moved to Mexico for a brief time but made their way back to America and settled in El Paso, TX. Mom attended Sacred Heart School and St Joseph’s Academy. She had a beautiful youth surrounded by love, laughter and friendships. Her teen years were a time of joy and wonder. She had a beautiful, angelic operatic voice which many would come to hear during church concerts and school performances. Maria was often accompanied by Father Macinini on piano and Abraham Chavez Jr. on the violin. When Mom sang the “Ave Maria” it would bring tears to people’s eyes then as it does now when we hear her song.

Maria met her husband Jose at Sacred Heart. She was a young catechist and Jose was a student. Mom was having the time of her life as she was active in school and church but Jose had his eye on her and when she was ready she too only had eyes for him. They were married at Sacred Heart Church on November 20, 1949. Thus began a lifetime of love, commitment and devotion. They raised six children with God’s guiding hands.

Maria and Jose owned and operated the Palmera Café. She worked side by side with Jose as did all their children. She was the sweetest, kindest person anyone could ever meet. These attributes helped with the success of the restaurant, their partnership, and marriage of sixty four years. Maria also worked at Hicks Ponder before becoming a business owner.

Due to their hard work and dedication Mom and Dad were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor by traveling the world. This was the one luxury they preferred and indulged themselves by visiting The Holy Land, Rome, Spain, Russia, China, England, Holland, Austria, tropical islands, beaches and many, many more destinations. They are our “world travelers”. The one common factor was they made sure to visit churches and attend mass to thank God for their blessings.

Maria was preceded in death by her precious grandchildren Noemi Ornelas and Robert Fernandez, her parents Jesus and Carlota Q. Muniz, brothers Pedro and Felipe (Dolores†), sister Anita (Salvador†) Natera, goddaughter Elena Muniz, nephews Javier and Pete Muniz Jr., father and mother-in-law Zacarias Ornelas and Calixta Ornelas, sisters-in-law Enedina, Beatriz, Juana, Trini, Feliciana and several other family members.

Maria is survived by her husband Jose S. Ornelas, her children Jose Luis (Christina), Henry (Rebecca), Ricardo (Alejandra), Jorge (Letty), Margarita (Dale) Fernandez, and Clara (Tony) Khoury, grandchildren: Joseph, Phillip, Julie, Jackie, Patrick, Paul, Michelle, Valerie, Vanessa, Richard, Veronica, Eric, Claudia, Marissa, Daniel, Sarah, Anthony, George, Monique, Dominique, Zachary, Anette, and Estafano and great grandchildren: Arabella, Emma Lisa, Luke, Sammy, Olivia, Alexander (AJ), Avellina, Cameron, Andrea, Johnathon, Conner, Caleb, Layla and Noah who she loved so very much. She also leaves behind her brother Guilibaldo (Bertha), sisters-in-law Margarita Muniz, Angela, Isabel (Calvin) and Amalia, brother-in-law Eusebio (Pam) Ornelas, and many cherished nieces and nephews and her mighty bodyguard “pewee”.

Dear “Chaparrita” and precious Momma we will love and miss you forever. You were the most loving, caring wife and mother any family could ever have. You taught us well by example – to love God, trust in our faith, pray every day, and keep Our Lady of Guadalupe close to our heart. We are a very united family and will continue to honor and cherish you in this manner all the days of our life.

Thank you God for gracing us with your most faithful servant. Thank you Fr. Blake Fry and Msgr. Victor Kayrouz for anointing Mom as she made her final travel plans to the place where she is forever safe and happy. We are very grateful to our family and friends for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. To Juanita, her family and Edie for the love and care of our Mom Maria during her final days.

Services for Maria M. Ornelas will be from 5:00 to 9:00 pm Thursday, January 30, 2014. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 am on Friday, January 31, 2014 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Evergreen East Cemetery. Services directed by Martin Funeral Home Central 3839 Montana Ave.