Guadalupe Ornelas

Heaven has another angel. Guadalupe Ornelas passed from this earth, surrounded by her family, on April 7, 2017 at Hoyt Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility in Saginaw, Michigan at the age of 88. One of 15 children, Lupe was the third daughter of Emiliano and Porfidia (Lopez) Guerrero who preceded her in death. She was born in Floresville, Texas on February 20, 1929. Living and working as migrant farm workers, Lupe and her family settled in Saginaw, Michigan in 1941. Lupe married Harold Tijerina on October 23, 1950. Harold preceded her in death on August 24, 1997. Lupe married Frank Ornelas on November 22, 2003. Frank survives her. Lupe worked at the Saginaw Chevrolet Foundry from May 5, 1947 until September 30, 1975. After retiring from the foundry, she owned and operated Lupe’s Yarn Shop for many years. Lupe was a very compassionate, loving and beautiful person. She devoted her life to Jesus and the Virgin de Guadalupe even becoming an associate nun after the death of her first husband. She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Church, where she was a “Dama de Guadalupe,” member of the Cursillo Movement, member of the choir, a certified lay minister and a member of the Association of the Dominican Sisters. Since 1982, Lupe has hosted and facilitated Bible Study Group every Friday. Lupe went on several Christian Missions to the Dominican Republic and Panama. She has also travelled to Israel and Rome. Harold Tijerina and Lupe had two children: Elinor (Jan) Ehlert and Roger (Annette) Tijerina; eight grandchildren who include Shannon (Sergio) Thurin, Sean (Heather) Pitcher, Ryan (Stacey) Pitcher, Brooks Ehlert, Sara Ehlert, Matthew Tijerina, Roger Tijerina, and Michael Tijerina. She also has many great grandchildren. Lupe also had four step-children with Frank Ornelas: Richard Ornelas, Theresa Trevino, Lucinda Ornelas, and Daniel Ornelas. They also shared many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Eleven siblings have preceded Lupe in death. She has three surviving sisters: Margaret (James) Runkel, Irene (Henry) Alva, and MaryAnn (Mike) Brosman. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph’s Church, 936 N. 6th Ave., Saginaw on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 11 am. Visitation will take place one hour prior to mass, beginning at 10 am. Thank you to the staff at Hoyt Nursing Rehabilitation Facility, Compassus, and Davita, who helped care for Lupe as she fell ill. The family is thankful for the kindness, compassion, and accommodations they received from these organization as well as the love and support from many family and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Hill Funeral Home, Grand Blanc, MI.