Mary Ellen Banuelos, 79, entered eternal life on June 28, 2015 at Baylor Medical Center at Dallas surrounded by her children. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Genaro and Guadalupe Puente and her older brother, Genaro Puente, Jr., as well as two of her precious children, Jo Ellen Banuelos in 1976 and Steven Eric Banuelos in 2013. She will be greatly missed by her family – siblings: Billie Tortorici (Lou), Rebecca Jones, H.P. Jones, and Carlos Puente (Maria Esther); children: Terry Rutherford (Art), Darlene Glaser (Bill), David Banuelos (Stacy), Angel Price (Bret), Marian Stanzel (Paul), and Gregory Banuelos. She was beloved “Nana” to 15 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and has numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was born on February 11, 1936 and lived most of her life in Galveston. She graduated in 1954 from Ball High School where she was the Colonel of the Tornettes, a Good Fellow, and Track Duchess. She was married to Marion August Banuelos, her husband of 55 years. She was a devoted and proud “mama” of 8 children. She was a naturally gifted artist, a self-taught guitarist, and a fabulous cook. She was the owner of The Bead Scene, worked in retail, and at UTMB. In 2003, she moved to Dallas but always considered Galveston her home.

Mary’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Wednesday, July 8th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home in Galveston. A rosary will begin at 6:30 pm.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 9th, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church followed by internment at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Galveston.