Mary E. Ornelas

Mary Esther Ornelas, 89, of Kansas City, Kansas passed away peacefully at her home on July 31, 2022. Mary was born May 7th, 1933 in Bassett (now known as Iola), Kansas to Juanita Medina and Jose Ornelas Sr. She was an infant when her mother suddenly passed away and was raised by the only mother she knew, Mercedes Arámbula. As a young woman, Mary enjoyed the company and friendship of her many sisters-in-law, especially Carmen. In August of 1954, Mary married Próspero “Robert” Ornelas Jr (no relation) at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita, KS. She was endeared to her new in-laws, Maria and Próspero Sr and family. Mary and Robert had 4 children. In 1965, they moved their family to Kansas City, Kansas. Mary worked in clothing manufacturing, interior ornamental decoration and was a cashier at Bethany Medical Center. Mary loved listening to music and dancing. Her favorite was Mexican rancheras. She enjoyed all types of sports and was a fan of KU basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and the Olympics. Her guilty pleasure was to watch police chases on YouTube. Above all, she enjoyed being with her family. She is survived by her brother David “Peter”Ornelas of Wichita, Kansas; her children: Yvonne (Jesus) Rios, Rita (Arturo) Garcia, Victor, Roberta (Ken) McKellips and her borrowed but chosen son, Pedro Martinez; her grandchildren: Maria, Mercedes, Misty, Frank, Ramona, Richard, Robert, Elisa, Renata, Khyler, and Justyce; her great-grand-children: Thomas, Ethan, Destiny, Rebekah, Xavier, Isabelle, Liliana, Jacob, Alexander, Neveah, Nyla, Sebastian, Gavin, Gabriel, Alessandro and Sophia; her great-great-grandchildren: Owen, Eleanor, Elizabeth and Charlotte (in utero). She is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and her loyal body guard, and roommate, Violet the dog. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson Nickolas and her six brothers and two sisters. The family would like to thank all of the staff at KU Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic, Kindred Hospice, and a very special thanks to her niece Toni Rodriguez for all of her love, assistance and support. Also a thank you to Rebecca Esparza for her help. Services will be Friday August 5th 2022 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 2910 Strong Avenue Kansas City, KS 66106. Visitation is at 10am and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. John Cordes at 11am. Inurnment will be at a later date at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge at 1120 Pennsylvania Avenue Kansas City, MO 64105.

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Mary E. Ornelas

May 7, 1933 - July 31, 2022