God opened His arms and welcomed longtime former Marfa resident Charlotte Morales Ontiveros as she entered the Pearly Gates of Heaven on Monday, September 16, 2013. She lived 95 years.
Charlotte Ontiveros
Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday, September 21 at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa. Burial will be in Merced Cemetery.
Born in Presidio on March 20, 1918, she was the daughter of Manuel and Sabina Olivas Morales, and the sister (and family matriarch) of Betty Morales Montoya, Elena Morales Hernandez, Lola Morales, Manuel Morales, Celestina Morales Dutchover, Frank Morales and Leo Morales.
She had been a resident of Port Saint Lucie, Florida since 2004, living her life in Marfa until then.
Charlotte married Enrique Ontiveros and they were together 65 years. They had two children, Sylvia and Henry. Henry married Lynn, and they blessed Mrs. Ontiveros with four granddaughters, Jennifer, Jaime, Sylvia, and Sabina, and three great-grandchildren, Kylee, Christian, and Nicholas.
She was affectionately known as “Tota” to many. Although she only had two children, she was a mother, grandmother, and much more to so many, including nineteen nieces and nephews.
Charlotte worked at various jobs but was most proud of her biggest accomplishment, raising two wonderful children. To her, family was everything, and she was always was there when she was needed most. She loved to cook and bake and was the best cookie maker! No one ever left her kitchen hungry.
She was a devout and faithful Catholic and a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa and later St. Bernadette’s in Port St. Lucie, and was a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
Her sole survivor is her son, Henry and his family in Florida.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Enrique, her daughter, Sylvia, her sisters Lola and Betty, and her father and mother.
She may have lived the last 10 years with her son and family in Florida, but her heart was always in Marfa.
Contributions as a memorial may be made to Saint Bernadette’s Catholic Church, 350 NW California Avenue, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986 or St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marfa.
Alpine Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.