Susan Emily (Heath) Ornelas

Susan Emily (Heath) Ornelas, loving wife, passed into eternity, in the arms of Jesus, at home in Superior, Montana on Sunday, March 28, 2021, in the early evening at the age of 61, due to complications from a heart ablation procedure.

Emily was born on June 16, 1959 in Los Angeles, California, to Alpha and Marilyn (Cupit) Heath. She graduated from Anaheim High School, and received her Registered Nursing Degree from Saint Luke’s Hospital in San Francisco.

She was a Registered Nurse until her death and practiced in a variety of nursing specialties, but most enjoyed her certified specialty of Labor and Delivery. Emily served as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer, both active duty and reserve, for approximately nine years and is a veteran of Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

During the early years of active service she met and then married her husband, Ernie Ornelas, on November 30, 1985.

Emily moved to Mineral County full time with her husband Ernie in 1998, after buying their home in April 1996 on the Camel’s Hump Road at 12 Mile Creek, and then moved to Superior in 2008. She loved breeding and raising horses while at 12 Mile Creek, and also loved the Montana wildlife.

Emily was thoroughly involved in the local community throughout her years in Montana. She served as a West End Volunteer Firefighter, a Conservation District Supervisor, a R.N. at Mineral Community Hospital (endoscopy procedure nurse and fill in O.R. nurse), Medication nurse and House Parent at Superior Mountain View Village Assisted Living Facility, Superior Town Councilor, flower baskets caretaker on Superior Veterans Memorial Bridge, and supervisor/organizer of Superior Recycling Center.

In addition, she also served as Secretary-Treasurer and Song Leader at St. Regis Community Bible Church. Emily loved interacting with all the people she encountered while working and playing in Mineral County.

Emily was preceded in death by her father, Al, and her mother, Marilyn. She is survived by her husband Ernie, her brother David Heath, a niece Holly and a nephew Trapper.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the Superior High School Gym. It is open to anyone wishing to attend.