Molly Benavidez Ornelas

Molly Benavidez Ornelas, age 88, of Miami, Arizona passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. She was born February 1, 1937, in Rowe, NM to Thomas and Catalina Benavidez.

Molly married her loving husband Manuel Campos Ornelas on April 28, 1956. Molly and Manuel were devoted to each other through 66 happy, loving years of marriage. They became parents to 4 children – Rosemary, Darlene, Cassie, and Manuel. Molly’s children and grandchildren brought her the greatest joy, but she and Manuel also endured the greatest heartache at the loss of their second child, Darlene, at the age of 4, and the loss of their grandson, Josh Durnan.

Molly was a loving caring woman who loved being a homemaker and balancing a busy career at the same time. Beginning in 1967, Molly became a licensed Cosmetologist where she eventually became the Director of a Beauty College. It was there where she created many friendships and was known as “Miss O”. Students and clients alike, loved her happy and caring personality.

After being the Director of the Beauty College, she decided to use her nurturing ways to become a Certified Nursing Assistant at what was then Miami Inspiration Hospital (later named Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center). She worked there for approximately 10 years before she finally retired.

Molly loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed cooking for family and gardening. Molly will be truly missed. We find comfort in knowing she will rejoice with God and once again be by her husband’s side.

Molly is preceded in death by her husband Manuel C. Ornelas, her daughter Darlene Ornelas, grandson Joshua Durnan, parents Thomas and Catalina Benavidez, brothers Eddie, Angel, Alex, Thomas, Phillip, Joseph Benavidez and sisters Frances Gonzales and Dora Benavidez. She is survived by her son Manuel B. Ornelas (Isela) of Queen Creek, AZ, two daughters RoseMary Gonzales of Miami, AZ and Cassie Ornelas of Globe, AZ. She is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother Patrick Benavidez of Globe, AZ and her sister Yolanda Sanchez of Globe, AZ.

Services for Molly Ornelas will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Visitation at 9:00 a.m.; Rosary at 9:30 a.m.;

Funeral Mass to begin at 10:00 a.m., with luncheon to follow at the Lady’s Center next to the church.