Obituary for Evelyn Mari Ornelas
Evelyn Mari Ornelas
11/26/1931 – 04/26/2020
Evelyn passed away peacefully at home on April 26, 2020 at the age of 88. She was born on November 26, 1931 to Ann and Walter Beaty in Gay, Oklahoma. Her formative years were spent in boarding schools for Choctaw Native Americans. She started her education at Wheelock Academy in Millerton and graduated from Goodland Academy in Hugo.
Evelyn moved to Bakersfield in 1950 where she met and fell in love with John Ornelas. They were married in 1952. Together Evelyn and John raised six children. Later in life she decided to pursue a career in education. She worked and retired from BCSD after 29 years of dedicated service to children.
Soon after her retirement, Evelyn returned to her Native American Heritage by becoming an active member of several groups. In 1993 she was introduced to the Eagle Heart Dance Group in which she involved her grandchildren. This also brought back her love for sewing. She taught herself how to skillfully create regalia worn for various styles of intertribal dance. A few years later Evelyn became a major part of the newly formed Okla Chata Clan and helped them solidify its foundation.
In her final years, she became a board member of the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project. She created many lasting friendships wherever she went.
She was preceded by her parents Ann and Walter Beaty, her husband John Ornelas, and son Mark Ornelas. Evelyn is survived by her children Theresa Flores (Ray), Vicky Casteel (Ron), Jon Ornelas (Luisa), Gail Cannon (Ty), and Lisa Linares. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Evelyn devoted her life and love to her family.
Services will be held at: Greenlawn Funeral Home Southwest – Building A
Visitation and Service: Tuesday May 5, 2020
Visitation: 9:00am – 11am
Service: 11:00am – 11:30am Pineview Garden
11/26/1931 – 04/26/2020
Evelyn passed away peacefully at home on April 26, 2020 at the age of 88. She was born on November 26, 1931 to Ann and Walter Beaty in Gay, Oklahoma. Her formative years were spent in boarding schools for Choctaw Native Americans. She started her education at Wheelock Academy in Millerton and graduated from Goodland Academy in Hugo.
Evelyn moved to Bakersfield in 1950 where she met and fell in love with John Ornelas. They were married in 1952. Together Evelyn and John raised six children. Later in life she decided to pursue a career in education. She worked and retired from BCSD after 29 years of dedicated service to children.
Soon after her retirement, Evelyn returned to her Native American Heritage by becoming an active member of several groups. In 1993 she was introduced to the Eagle Heart Dance Group in which she involved her grandchildren. This also brought back her love for sewing. She taught herself how to skillfully create regalia worn for various styles of intertribal dance. A few years later Evelyn became a major part of the newly formed Okla Chata Clan and helped them solidify its foundation.
In her final years, she became a board member of the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project. She created many lasting friendships wherever she went.
She was preceded by her parents Ann and Walter Beaty, her husband John Ornelas, and son Mark Ornelas. Evelyn is survived by her children Theresa Flores (Ray), Vicky Casteel (Ron), Jon Ornelas (Luisa), Gail Cannon (Ty), and Lisa Linares. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Evelyn devoted her life and love to her family.
Services will be held at: Greenlawn Funeral Home Southwest – Building A
Visitation and Service: Tuesday May 5, 2020
Visitation: 9:00am – 11am
Service: 11:00am – 11:30am Pineview Garden