Oralia M. Vela (‘Ama’)

April 26, 1937 – July 24, 2021

Oralia M. Vela (“Ama”), 84-year-old mother of seven children, was born April 26, 1937, in Repueblo de Oriente, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She was married to her beloved late husband Emilio V. Vela Dec. 17, 1955.

She passed away peacefully and surrounded by all her grandchildren, daughters and sons and their families. Regardless of her large family, Oralia, or Ama as she was always referred to by all her family, always made time for everyone. She always provided support, counseling and love for her family. She and her husband Emilio worked tirelessly in the Moses Lake community to provide opportunities for their kids. She would proudly boast about all seven of her children being great mothers and fathers, with influence to change the world.

Oralia was the youngest daughter of the late Clemente and Nicolasa Martinez from Repueblo de Oriente, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. She is preceded in death by her husband Emilio V. Vela; three grandchildren Denise de Leon, Grace Vela and Manuel Vela Jr.; and her siblings Isidoro Martinez, Encarnacion Martinez, Manuela Pruneda, Viviano Martinez, Evangelina Garza, Dolores Medina, Ruben Villarreal, Marcelino Martinez and Enedina Vela. In this life she leaves her older brother Julian Martinez and her youngest brother Manuel Martinez.

Oralia was a caring and doting grandmother with all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was surrounded by family and friends that sought her out for her supportive and giving disposition. She was a very involved leader in the Cursillo Movement with the Catholic Church in Moses Lake, and developed deep and caring relationships with anyone she met and got to know. Our mother had the knack for making all her children, nephews, nieces and friends feel like they mattered most to her. She made you feel special with the brand of love that she gave. Ama gave so much love, because so much love was given to her and this is how she will be remembered by all of her family. We are sure that today she is looking down on us sitting and laughing with Apa and Molo.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children Gloria and Saul De Leon of Moses Lake, Washington, Anna and Robert de Leon of Moses Lake, Washington, Emilio Jr. and Quina Vela of Wenatchee, Washington, Manuel and L. Cristina Vela of Moses Lake, Washington, Julio and Kimberly Vela of St Paul, Oregon, Ruben and Maby Vela of Moses Lake, Washington and Jaime and Marivel Vela of Moses Lake, Washington. She leaves a great legacy in her 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial was held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N. Dale Road, Moses Lake, Washington, followed by interment at Pioneer Memorial Gardens.

Our family is thankful and blessed to have the support of our community. Thank you! Familia Vela Martinez.

Please express your thoughts and memories at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser’s Chapel of Memories of Moses Lake, Washington.