Mary "Emma" Ornelas

Mary "Emma" Ornelas, 87, of Pine Bluffs, WY died Nov. 18 in Torrington. Mary Emma Soto was born to Juan and Alejandra Soto on September 13, 1926 in Eaton, Colo. She grew up in Pine Bluffs alongside her five brothers and three sisters. On December 27, 1948, she married Joe Martin Ornelas in Pine Bluffs. Mary loved to make things with her hands -- from crocheting to hand-sewing blankets for her grandchildren. She enjoyed being with her family, playing cards, and telling stories. She was beautifully strong willed, loved chocolate and laughing. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Marin; parents; three brothers, Ray, Laverne, and Martin Soto; two sisters, Josephine Rea and Carmen Baladez; and a granddaughter, Priscilla Marin. Mary is survived by two daughters, Rachel (Leroy) Lipska and Beth Steege; two sons, Gregory Ornelas and Martin (Tammy) Ornelas; two brothers, Alex Soto and Dario Soto; one sister, Connie Garcia; eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. Vigil for the Deceased was held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Pine Bluffs. Funeral Liturgy was held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 23, 2015 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Pine Bluffs. Interment followed at the Pine Bluffs Cemetery. Online Family tributes can be sent to http://www.wrcfuneral.com.