Ubelia Ocañas

Ubelia Ocañas was a caring and dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world and passed into eternity on September 19th, 2024, at the age of 82 years old surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ubelia was born on May 4th, 1942, in Coahuila, Mexico to Matilde and Maria Rodriguez. She was their firstborn daughter and eldest sister to her eventual 8 siblings. Ubelia spent her early childhood in Mexico before her family migrated to Quemado, Texas around the 2nd grade. She attended elementary school there for a while before having to step away to help raise her younger siblings. As the daughter of migrant farm workers, Ubelia helped support her home at a young age and carried that strong work ethic throughout her entire life. During her teenage years, her family’s path eventually led them to Northern Colorado to work the farmlands near Greeley. Although Ubelia had responsibilities at home and work, she maintained a vibrant social life—which at times even included attending local dances and dazzling the room. At the State Armory in Greeley, during one of those dances, Ubelia met Ruben Ocañas, fell in love, and got married. Ruben and Ubelia became business owners and homeowners in Gilcrest, Colorado and had 5 amazing children: Brenda, Martha, Patty, Diana, and Fernando. Despite the trials, tribulations, and transitions thrown Ubelia’s way throughout her life, she never abandoned the most important responsibility: to be a good mother and grandmother. She moved to Greeley later in life and set up a bachelorette pad at the Joe P. Martinez apartments, where she found strength in her independence and fostered a loving home for her family’s visits—which were, at times, more often than she liked. Ubelia’s dedication to her family shined in every aspect of her and her family’s lives. She was our #1 fan. Whether it was babysitting her grandchildren or great-grandchildren, attending the many birthday parties, weddings, or graduations, spectating at sporting events (and even getting dirty looks from refs for how much she supported her grandchildren), laughing at the Thanksgiving and Christmas shenanigans, attending her daughter’s church, or just being an ear to listen to the chisme from one of her kids or grandkids, she was there. One of the best lessons Ubelia taught her family was to be bold, stick up for yourself and your loved ones, and stand up for what you believe in. Throughout the entirety of her life, she did just that; she was bold for those she loved. She stood up for herself and our family, and she always stood by what she believed in. While she was the matriarch of our family, she was kind, and gentle, and loved us with her whole heart. Ubelia’s sacrifices and hard work have paid dividends that will leave a legacy long beyond her life. Her children and grandchildren are homeowners, business owners, successful leaders in their fields and companies, college graduates, pastors, teachers, managers, and even a career United States Marine (her Tony Ray). Ubelia is preceded in death by her parents, Matilde and Maria; her brother, Francisco; her sister, Olivia; her husband, Ruben Ocañas; and her great-granddaughter, Marianna. She is survived by her 5 children: Brenda (Tony) Palacio of Milliken, Martha (Jesse) Hernandez, Patricia (Brad) Jones, Diana (Angel) Flores, all of Greeley, and Fernando Ocañas of Milliken; 14 grandchildren: Monica, Tony Ray, Sonya, Randall, Richard, Marrisa, Caleb, Elizabeth, Josiah, Amanda, Alexis, Leilana, Noa (their mother, Lydia), and Paige; 20 great-grandchildren; and 6 siblings: Juan, Jesus, Matilde, Santos, Robert, and Joe. Everyone should be so fortunate to have an incredible role model like Grandma Ubelia. She was a shining example of love, strength, and integrity for our family. Her laughter, lessons, and memories live on in me and the rest of our family. In the words of A.A. Milne, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Yet, we know that we are not saying “goodbye,” but “see you soon.” We love you and will see you soon, Abuelita.

Tributes

Ubelia Ocañas

May 4, 1942 - September 19, 2024