Griselda "Cris" Ornelas

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Griselda “Cris” Jaime Ornelas, a beloved matriarch, devoted educator, and successful entrepreneur. Cris passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 64, at the Kindred Long Term Care Facility in San Antonio, after a life lived with unwavering purpose and love.

Born in Brownsville, Texas, Cris spent her early childhood in Mexico before relocating to San Benito. A proud graduate of San Benito High School in 1980, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1984. Shortly afterward, on July 29, 1984, Cris married the love of her life, José Juan Ornelas, and they shared 24 wonderful years of marriage until his passing.

Cris's dedication to education was profound. She earned her Master’s in Guidance and Counseling in 1996 and a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2011, serving as a principal. For 28 years, she poured her heart into public schools across San Benito, Rio Hondo, Harlingen, and Santa María, impacting countless lives.

Beyond education, Cris's entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly. In 2000, she and José Juan co-founded Ornelas’ Bakery and Food Store in Rio Hondo, successfully running it for over 18 years. Even after retirement, she continued her passion for helping others at Elizondo Financial Solutions for more than four years, earning numerous accolades.

A devout Catholic, Cris was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is now reunited in eternal peace with her husband, José Juan Ornelas; her parents, Carmen Rosas Ybarra and Castulo Ybarra; and her cherished grandchildren, Claire Marie Athenea Flores, Hope Ariah Flores, and José Juan Xantos Flores.

Cris’s legacy of love, strength, and resilience lives on through her devoted daughters, Amanda Marie Ornelas-Flores and Krystal Junelle Ornelas Vasquez; and her loving sons, Jose Juan Ornelas Jr. and Eric Michael Ornelas. She will be deeply missed by her ten beloved grandchildren: Esmeralda Aurora Ornelas, Alessandra Angel Ornelas, José Giovahnni Vasquez, Kryselda Adalynn Vasquez, Caleb Anthony Vasquez, Leandro Ishmael Vasquez, Smilyana Juliet Ornelas, Sayana Joselyn Ornelas, Maverick Arman Flores, and Mattizen Jenaro Flores. She will also be greatly missed by her dear sister, Alma Delia Peña and her many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Cris’s warm smile and boundless love will always be etched in the hearts of all who knew her. She leaves behind a profound void and a rich tapestry of beautiful memories.

The Ornelas family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7 o’clock on Sunday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Following the Mass, Cris will be laid to rest at Mont Meta Memorial Park.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are José Juan Ornelas Jr., Jenaro Aram Flores, José Perez, Ricardo Villagómez, Eric Michael Ornelas, Ricardo Michael Langevin, Abraham Escobedo, and Andrés Barrera.