Leonarda Bustos

Leonarda “Lee” Bustos, age 92, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2022, in Arlington, Texas. Leonarda was born in Midland, Texas to Ricardo and Josefa Sanchez, on November 6, 1929.  Lee was a long-time resident of Odessa, Texas, moving with her loving husband, Roberto Molinar, in "1954”. Together, they raised 6 beautiful children. They were married for “51” years, enjoying good times and weathering the hard with love until Robert's passing in 1998. Later in life, Lee united in marriage with Luis Bustos. Together, they have lovingly supported each other through their later years.

Leonarda truly lived life to the fullest. Many will remember her for being bold and courageous and fighting for what she believed in. She touched the lives of everyone she encountered. She was a devoted patriot and spent countless hours volunteering her time registering voters and keeping community members informed politically, especially in the Hispanic community. She was most passionate about family and opened her home to her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Leonarda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Proudly, she was the BINGO queen, and enjoyed playing card games and watching her Dallas Cowboys. She was classy and elegant and never left home without her red lips, a little sparkle, and bling. Her family and friends will miss her dearly.

Leonarda is preceded in death by her parents Ricardo and Josefa Sanchez, husband Roberto Molinar, daughter Emma Valencia, grandson David Valencia Jr., son Louis Bustos Jr, brother Miguel Sanchez and sister Leandra Luna.

She is survived by husband Luis Bustos, sons Larry Molinar wife Mary, Natividad “Sonny” Rodriguez wife Ruby, daughters Betty Torres, Norma Garcia, and Nora Lopez husband David.

Grandchildren: Josette Zeigler, Natividad “Sonny” Rodriguez Jr., Justin Rodriguez, Jarrett Rodriguez, Nathan Molinar, Brandi Molinar Mendez, Krystal Casas, Amy Valencia Curry, Dana Valencia Tapia, Jeremy Garcia, Monica Sanchez, Josiah Garcia, Adrian Torres, Karisma Hadnot, Alan Armesto, Derek Armesto, Lorenzo Bustos, Lazaro Bustos, 50 great grandchildren, 23 great-great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Molinar, Jeremy Garcia, Alan Armesto, Adrian Torres, Josiah Garcia, Derek Armesto.

Rosary will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 7:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM Thursday September 8, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Chavez officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens

The family of Leonarda wishes to extend their sincere thanks to our family and friends who have reached out to us during this difficult time. Our family truly appreciates it.

We would also like to give thanks to Alev Care Hospice “Angela” and private caretakers: Evangelina, Patience, Chikoidi, Elizabeth and Isatou, and Heartis Arlington Senior Assisted Living for providing great love and care for our mother and becoming lifelong family friends.