Marcella Celaya Portillo, age 86, of Monahans, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Odessa. She was born on January 16, 1940, in San Vicente, Texas, to Federico Macias and Maria Santiago Celaya. Marcella was raised and spent most of her young life in Marathon and Big Bend National Park.

She was a hardworking and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was known for her menudo and her delicious cookies. She enjoyed spending time with her family and pets, cooking, watching her favorite sports teams, and praying the rosary.

Marcella is survived by her husband, Jose Cobos Portillo; her daughter, Sylvia Ann Sanchez, and her spouse, Roy Sanchez; her son, Michael Portillo, and his spouse, Maggie Marie Portillo; and her grandchildren, Anevay Nicole Halbakken and her spouse, Baylie Morale Halbakken; Caleb Portillo and his spouse, Alison J’lain Portillo; Rojelio Sanchez and his girlfriend, Krestal Serenity Marquez; and Makaya Grace Portillo and her fiancé, Malachi Jordan Reyes.

Viewing was on Monday, April 6, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Harkey Funeral Home. Arosary was held at St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 500 S Ike Ave, in Monahans on Monday, April 6, at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Mission, located at 300 N Ave C, in Marathon, on Tuesday, April 7, at 10:30 a.m. Burial followed at Marathon Latin Cemetery in Marathon.

Pallbearers were as follows: Caleb Portillo, Rojelio Sanchez, Ector Lopez, Sonny Celaya, Camillo Celaya, Baylie Halbakken, and Ricky Lopez.

Though we mourn her passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life.