Mary Lou Ornelas

Mary Lou Ornelas, of Granger, Washington, was born on October 30, 1956, in Ballinger, Texas, to Jose Chavez and Felicita Ornelas. Mary unexpectedly left this world to be with the Lord on July 16, 2026, passing peacefully in the place she called home.

To the world, she was known as Mary, but to her family, she was simply Nana. She was the anchor who held everyone together. With an endlessly generous heart, she had a remarkable gift for making every person in her life feel special. She made each of her grandchildren feel like they were her favorite. Her home was always open, and her heart always had room for anyone who needed it. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, kindness, and unity that will continue to live on through those who knew and loved her.

Nana was a devoted caregiver whose greatest joy came from caring for others. She lovingly cared for her mother, Felicita; her Aunt Francisca, who helped raise her; and her brothers, Felipe Chavez, Fernando Ornelas, and Arturo Ornelas. Her selfless devotion to her family reflected the kind of person she was—giving, compassionate, and incredibly strong.

She is survived by her daughters, Christina Nunez, Rebecca Hernandez, Mercedez Nunez, Sara Ornelas, and Maria Partida; her beloved grandchildren, Ana, Heather, Cameron, Xavier, Mariah, Juan Diego, Victoria, Maria, Julissa, Vanessa, Angel, Victor, Julian, Lizette, Mariella, Serena, Kike, Noelani, and Noe III; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Ophelia, Raphael, Aerzabella, Adrian, Isaiah, Aleesia, Romero, Abel, Juan Diego Jr., Maleni, and Jessie, who will forever carry the wisdom, love, and values she instilled in them. She is also survived by four sisters and three brothers.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Rose Mary Ornelas, and her brother, Felipe Chavez.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing Nana's love will remain with us always. Her memory will continue to guide us, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Funeral services will be held on July 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Zillah Cemetery.