Maria Lourdes Ornelas

On July 4th, 2023, Maria Ornelas passed away peacefully at age 80, in Belton, Texas after a yearlong illness.

When Maria’s children were young, the phrase “stay-at-home-mom” didn’t exist.  It was usual for women to stay home with the children, but even by the standards of the era, Maria was an exceptional wife and mother.  She cared deeply for her family.  She did this not out of obligation, but because of who she was.  She was always the first to offer help to people in need and was a compassionate spirit whose passion was caring for others.  She was a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church and had been active in the women’s ministry and ACTS program helping to serve her community.

Maria was a graduate of San Benito High School in San Benito, Texas.  She graduated in 1963 and went on to attend Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas where she majored in Recreational Administration.  After graduation, Maria moved to Austin, Texas to work for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department where she put her recreation and administration skills to work offering children and adults the joy and love of the visual and performing arts as well as recreational activities and events, year round.

She moved to the Dallas area after her children graduated from high school where she worked with IBM, and then American Airlines.  Upon her retirement from American Airlines she relocated to Belton, Texas, where she lived until the time of her death.

She is preceded in death by her parents Enrique B. Ornelas and Adela L. Ornelas, her sister Maria Ninfa Saldivar, her brother Jose Juan Ornelas, her son Jeffrey Michael Starr, and her granddaughter Katherine Grace Starr.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children; Todd and Theresa Starr, Jim and Patricia Starr, and Kelly Starr.

Her grandchildren; Daniel and Jessica Starr, Jacob Starr, Brandon Starr, Mathew Starr, Amber Starr, Sam and Emily Baird, Zachary Harlow, and Tegan Harlow.

Her great grandchildren; Oliver Starr, James Starr, Ethan Baird, Kadin Baird, Lauren Baird, and Mackenzie Baird.

Her brothers and sisters; Hortencia Sanchez, Enrique Ornelas Jr., Jesus Manuel Ornelas, Benito Ornelas, and San Juana Ornelas.