Manuel Campos Ornelas

Manuel Campos Ornelas, age 87, of Miami, Arizona passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 15, 2022.  He was born September 4, 1935, in Miami, AZ to Manuel and Pabla Campos Ornelas.

Manuel married his loving wife Molly Benavidez on April 28, 1956. Molly and Manuel were devoted to each other through 66 happy, loving years of marriage. They became parents to 4 children – Rosemary, Darlene, Cassie, and Manuel. Manuel's children and grandchildren brought him the greatest joy, but he and Molly also endured the greatest heartache at the loss of their second child, Darlene, at the age of 4, and the recent loss of their grandson, Josh Durnan.

Beginning in 1956, and throughout his mining career, he was a dedicated, hardworking employee with Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company (ICCCo), where he earned his living and supported his family for 38 years. Manuel learned the trade of upholstery which helped him earn a living during the lean times of mining strikes. He retired as a General Foreman in 1994 from Cyprus Copper Company, formerly ICCCo.

At the early age of 17, Manuel volunteered for the Army National Guard, ready to help defend the United States in his 8 years of service. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus serving Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church and earning the status of Grand Knight.

Manuel enjoyed photography, fishing, camping, hunting, and bowling with family and friends. He always had someone along with him on his leisure times in the wilderness because of his kind heart, easy smile, and out-going personality. He especially loved fishing with family.

Manuel is preceded in death by his daughter Darlene Ornelas, grandson Joshua Durnan, parents Manuel and Pabla Ornelas, and sister Elodia Cervantes. He is survived by his wife Molly B. Ornelas; his son Manuel Ornelas (Isela) of Queen Creek, AZ, two daughters Rosemary Gonzales and Cassie Ornelas both of Miami, AZ. He is also survived by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother Joe Ornelas (Mary Ann) of Phoenix, AZ and his sister, Rosie Romero of North Hollywood, CA.

The Lord above created you and I to love. He picked you out from all the rest, because he knew I loved you best. - - Written for you my love, by your loving wife, Molly

Services for Manuel Ornelas will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Visitation at 9:00 a.m.; Rosary at 9:30 a.m.; Funeral Mass to begin at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Pinal Mountain Cemetery in Central Heights.

Family is being assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Services Miami