Raquel Ornelas

Raquel was born in Michoacán, Mexico, to Jesús Medel and Alejandro Negrete. At a young age, she met the love of her life, Manuel Ornelas. They married when Raquel was just 14 years old and built a beautiful life and family together in Carpinteria, California.

Although Raquel never had the opportunity to attend school, she never allowed that to limit her. Through determination and her own desire to learn, she taught herself to read and write in both Spanish and English. Her ability to teach herself two languages was a testament to her strength, independence, and determination.

Raquel was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and dear friend. Her life was rooted in faith, family, generosity, and unconditional love. She loved God and strived to reflect Christ through her kindness and willingness to help anyone in need. She was the kind of person who would drop everything to help a friend or loved one.

Her home was always welcoming, filled with the aroma of homemade Mexican food and the love she expressed through caring for others. Cooking for her family and making sure everyone was fed was one of the many ways she showed her love. She took pride in her home and in the little details that made everything special.

Above all, Raquel’s greatest blessing was her family. The love she poured into them, the traditions she passed down, and the example she set through her faith and kindness will continue for generations. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Manuel Ornelas (2020); her parents, Jesús Medel and Alejandro Negrete; her son-in-law, Mike Maxwell; her brother, Luis Negrete; and her sister, Carlota Negrete Uribe.

She is survived by her Children Lupe Ornelas (Kathy Carrick), Carlos (Mona) Ornelas, María Maxwell, Gerald (Kathy) Ornelas, Edward Ornelas (Margaret Ornelas), Yolanda (Tom) Thierfielder, her grandchildren Jennifer Gonzalez, Angie Kahahane, Melisa Ornelas, Jessica Farrow, Natasha Gonzales, Alfred Gonzalez, Isaiah Ornelas, David Thierfielder, Aprille Ullrick, Bryan Ornelas, Blakelee Nettles, Bradley Owen, and Tony Page, her great-grandchildren Anthony, Justin, Taylor, Kekoa, Chaucey, Breanne, Emery, Grace, Hudson, Kynslie, Forest, Tynsley, Tucker, Colbie, and Abigail, her great-great-grandchild Ares.

She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

A visitation will be held at Crossroads Baptist Church, 9260 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, Alabama 36695, on November 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. A Committal Service will take place at Pine Crest Cemetery West, 1599 Snow Rd South, Mobile, Alabama 36695.

Those wishing to send flowers in memory of Raquel Ornelas may order through:

Bay Flowers

452 A Government Street

Mobile, AL 36602

Phone: (251) 432-1717