Victoriano Ornelas

Victoriano Herrera Ornelas, 94, of Solomon, AZ, passed away with his loving wife and family at his side on January 21, 2017. He was born in Solomonville on March 6,1922 to Gregorio & Josefa Ornelas. He attended schools in Solomon. Victoriano met and married the love of his life, Concepcion Grijalva on September 8, 1940 in Solomonville and to that union were born six children; Irene, Leanor, Mary Lou, Victor, Jr., Gabriel & Ernesto. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 29, 1944. He received many awards while in the service of our country such as the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Victoriano worked at Phelps Dodge for 43 years before retiring. He had was a member of Benefico Propio and the American Legion Post 28. He loved having friends and family come to visit him and he loved helping where he could at church or wherever as was needed. He also loved to travel, spending time at his home in Solomon, receiving the very first Family of the year Hispanic Scholarship award and achieving 76 years of marriage with his beloved wife. He is survived by his wife, Concepcion, and children; Irene (George) Holguin, Leanor Corona, Mary Lou (Abe) Villalba, Victor (Martha) Ornelas, Jr., Gabriel (Ramie) Ornelas & Ernesto (Terri) Ornelas, 26 grandchildren, 74 great- grandchildren and 35 great-great grandchildren. Victoriano is preceded in death by his parents Gregorio & Josefa, 2 brothers, 3 sisters and son-in-law Frank Corona. A viewing will take place on Friday, January 27, 2017 at Our Lady of Guadalupe at 9:00 a.m. followed by the Rosary at 10:00 a.m. with the he Mass of Christian Burial will beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the Gila Valley Honor Guard.