Dates
Sara Lopez Ornelas, born in Charlotte, Texas, on September 5, 1923, was given to her Lord on January 15, 2014. She passed away peacefully in her home in San Angelo, surrounded by many friends and family. She was married for 51 years to the former Silverio Valdez Ornelas of Knickerbocker, Texas. The Varela and Ornelas families will be receiving friends and family in her home. Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, Eliseo and Maria Luna Lopez, two sons, Nicanor and Luther, and one great-grandson, Timothy Wayne Grammar, Jr. She was also preceded by son-in-law Arthur Garcia.
Surviving Sara are five sons: Lot. Col. (R) Gilbert L. Ornelas and his wife Peggy of Schertz; Silverio L. Ornelas and his wife Leonor of Floresville; David L. Ornelas and his wife Juanita of Pontiac, Michigan; Daniel L. Ornelas and his wife Cao Xia of Beijing, China; and Ricardo L. Ornelas and his wife Carol of Lake Leelanau, Michigan. She is also survived by five daughters: Rachel O. Garcia of Columbiaville, Michigan; Mary O. Varela and her husband George of San Angelo; Anita O. Hanson and her husband Craig of Waterford, Michigan; Olga O. Melgar and her husband Luis of Richlands, North Carolina; and Ester O. Chavez and her husband Jose of Harlem, Georgia. Her three surviving sisters are Lilly Diaz, Aurora Hinojos, and Lola Valdez. Also surviving are 36 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. A large number of nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law are also mourning her passing.
Sara was a caring sister who as the oldest of four girls helped raise her sisters when their mother passed away when the youngest was five. She was both sister and mother to them. A loving mother who raised five boys and five girls in the "barrio" of San Angelo, she cared deeply for her kids. This was a difficult time in their lives while growing up in a very poor neighborhood. Against all odds, all ten children graduated from high school, with six of them going on to receive college degrees. All of the children went on to lead very successful careers. Because of her work ethics and her push for her children to excel, they all benefitted from her efforts. A devoted church member, for many years she supported the activities of her church. Even late in life she still continued to stress hard work, education and a strong sense of faith in God to everyone.
A memorial service will be held at Johnson's Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2014. On Saturday, a service will begin at 10:00 AM at the burial site at Fairmount Cemetery in San Angelo.
Sara Lopez Ornelas was very much loved by hundreds of people, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.