Onella Chance

Onella Catherine Chance entered into her heavenly home on May 11, 2024. Onella was born on July 1, 1947, in Hobbs, New Mexico. She attended Hobbs High School before moving to Denver City, Texas, where she graduated. Onella met the love of her life - Randy Chance in 1966 and they were married on February 8, 1967. She and her husband, who was in the US Air Force, travelled over much of the United States and the world, during their assignments in Europe, Turkey and Taiwan, and numerous stateside assignments. She was active in many military services and thoroughly enjoyed their military lifestyle.... especially formal dress-up occasions. She began her first career with Mary Kay Cosmetics while at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. She was very active and worked her way to special levels as a sales representative. She continued to sell beauty products all her life. There were always lots of pretty ladies around her house for program parties. She also worked in the Base Exchange in sales to air force personnel. Onella worked at the Monahans Senior Citizens Center before being employed at the West Texas State School in Pyote. While at Pyote as the cashier she enjoyed assisting or running many community activities. She was the president of the Community Advisory Committee. She was also an active member of the Ladies Red Hats Society and enjoyed scheduling events for these 'bodacious babes'. She also worked for the Monahans Education Center in the tax office. Onella assisted her father in his oil-field electric business in Denver City. She helped him remove and install transformers all over the West Texas area. She and her father had a special relationship.

She was born as an only child to R.R. "Pete" Ellison and Jessie Mae (Kennedy) Ellison of Hobbs, New Mexico, who were in the oilfield electrical business. Onella enjoyed assisting her dad in many of his oilfield duties. She loved her military life and always told her husband that she would gladly go back into the military if the occasion occurred. She was Randy's assistant in his handgun-training business and could shoot with the best. She assisted him with his writing business and they both were always together. They shared a special loving marriage of 57 years. They were best friends and constant companions. They both enjoyed sports and loved to bowl, fishing, and travel. Their daughter - Tonia a graduate of UTPB, a graphics and art expert, and teacher at OC Techs in Odessa. Tonia pleased them with a granddaughter -Jessica, who is a special 'Little Princess'. Their son -Robert was killed in 1988 during his high school years because of a tragic vehicle accident. She is survived by Randy, her husband, and Tonia and Jessica of Odessa, and several cousins, and numerous special military friends, and special civilian friends. She is preceded in death by her son Robert; her mother and father; and her grandmother - Vinnie Kennedy. Onella is a member of The Monahan's Southside Church, where she actively assisted her friends and older members that needed special care. Onella devoted much of her time to charity work for anyone in need of any kind of assistance. She was a special friend and would help anyone in need. She supported military organizations, especially the disabled veterans and wounded warrior's programs.

 Her viewing will be at Harkey Funeral Home, in Monahans, Texas, on Tuesday May 14, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, family to be present from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM.  Funeral Services will be held at Southside Baptist Church on Wednesday May 15, 2024, at 2:00 PM with a burial to follow at Monahans Memorial Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Wounded Warrior or Disabled Veterans.