William Edward Ornelaz

William grew up in Woody, California. He attended a one room school, Blake Elementary. He took pride in the hard work he put into helping his parents around the ranch as a child. It instilled a strong work ethic in him that he carried with him everyday of his life. He later attended and graduated from North High School in Bakersfield, California class of 1965. He briefly attended University of California, Davis before deciding on another path in life.

William changed careers and began working for Shell Oil in 1974 where he worked for many years before transferring to Ken Small Industries where he would later retire from.

William met his wife Angelica in 1984 and they were married September 6th, 1985 in Bakersfield, California They were married three months short of 39 years. William and Angelica raised three children, Amber (Kelius), April, and John Paul. William also had 2 older sons from his previous marriage, Stefan (Nicole), and Billy. His 5 children were his pride and joy.

William took pride in always maintaining a beautiful garden and enjoyed cultivating roses, vegetables, herbs, and so much more. He truly had a green thumb and he enjoyed his gardening for many years. He most cherished, a single pot of "kitten ear" plants that belonged to his mother and that he had kept alive for nearly 20 years. That plant is still going strong today and is being taken care of by one of his daughters in hopes of passing it on to William's grand children.

Throughout his life William had been a talented forman for both Shell oil and KSI. The friendships that cultivated during his years there were truly special to him. Friends that became like family and he truly valued those relationships and held them in very high regard. William eventually retired and relocated to Las Vegas to spend more quality time with 3 of his 5 children and 3 of his 9 grandchildren.

Of all William's roles, the one he cherished most and the one he is most cherished for, is that of Grandfather. Isaiah, KJ, and Isaac, were the delight of his life.

William is survived by his wife Angelica, his children, Stefan, Billy, Amber, April, and John Paul.

Preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Oralee, brother Michael, and sister Charlene who are all resting in peace with him at Green Lawn Southwest.