Zenaida (Celia) Ochoa Hernandez

Our beloved mother Zenaida (Celia) Ochoa Hernandez, 88, of Thorndale, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, at Scott & White hospital.

Born in Casita Ranch on Jan. 10,1933, to Gregorio and Eduvijes Ochoa, she lived most of her life in Thorndale surrounded by her loving family.

Celia enjoyed spending her time sewing beautiful quilts that she would gift to her loved ones. She was an amazing cook who made the most delicious dish of Spanish rice and the best homemade tamales. Many times, you would catch her outdoors tending to her yard and plants. She was always so proud of her family’ s accomplishments that she would keep newspaper clippings, trophies, awards, and rings. God truly blessed us with a beautiful loving soul.

Celia was preceded in death by her husband, Lorenzo Hernandez; son, Joseph Paul Ochoa; her parents; brothers, Edward Ochoa, Alfredo Ochoa, Elivorio Ochoa; sisters, Trinidad Garza, Reyes Moreno, Juanita Padilla, and Oralia Ochoa.

Survivors include three daughters, Molly Dominguez (Lee), Rosie Bennight (Rick), and Michele Frei (Scott); five sons, Lorenzo Hernandez Jr. (Vicky), Hector Hernandez (Diane), Rollie Hernandez (Diane), Danny Hernandez (Brenda), Benny Hernandez (Elvy); daughter-in-law, Cindy Ochoa; and special family friend/honorary son Victor Bentura.

She has 23 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Ray Ochoa, Sammy Ochoa, Blayne Hernandez, Taran Hernandez, Anthony Dominguez, Steven Ayala, Jett Frei, and Victor Bentura. All grand and great-grandchildren will be honorary pallbearers.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, from 6-8 p.m. at the Providence Funeral Home Taylor.

Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 6, at 10 a.m. at the Providence Funeral Home Chapel Taylor with burial to follow at Thorndale City Cemetery, Thorndale.