Mercedes B. "Chelo" (Bautista) Salinas

Mercedes B. "Chelo" Salinas

 LEIPSIC - Mercedes B. "Chelo" Salinas, 94, of Leipsic died 6:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021 at the Meadows of Ottawa.  She was born in Cotulla, TX to the late Ponciano and Reyes (Carmona) Bautista.  On July 17, 1947 she married Francisco A. Salinas, who preceded her in death on June 27, 2006.

   She is survived by 6 children:  Mary Olga Stutzman of Leipsic, Edward Salinas of Napoleon, Oralia (Baldemar) Alafa of Ottawa, Louie (Teresa) Salinas of Holgate, John Salinas of San Antonio, TX and Ofelia (Thomas) Butler of Leipsic; 16 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a brother Inez Bautista of San Antonio, TX; and 2 sisters:  San Juana Rodriguez of Loredo, TX and Amalia Gill of San Antonio, TX.

   Chelo is preceded in death by a son: Joe Roy Salinas, and infant daughter:  Juanita Oralia Salinas; a step-daughter:  Elva Mojica; and 4 sisters:  Jaunita Tobar, Esperanza Tobar, Elida Sanchez and Consuelo Bautista.

   Chelo was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Holgate.  She was the owner of Salina's Ballroom and Paradise Point, formerly known as Frank's Tavern, Leipsic.  She enjoyed traveling and spending time at casinos with her family.  She loved cooking and was most known for her tamales and her salsa. Chelo cherished her family and loved them above all else.  She was a hard worker and was never afraid to try anything.

   Chelo's funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 7, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Holgate with Father Nick Cunningham officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic and again Thursday from 9:30 until the time of service at the church.  There will be a rosary service  at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

   The family would like to thank the staff of St. Rita's Medical Center, the Meadows of Ottawa and Putnam County Hospice for their exceptional care.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association or to the breast cancer charity of your choice.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.