ELKHART -- Benita Orona Miramontes, 77, of Elkhart, died at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday (Dec. 2, 2008) in Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Sept. 27, 1931, in New Mexico to George Sr. and Nellie (Rodriguez) Orona.

Mrs. Miramontes is survived by three sons, Steve (Toni) Rodriguez of Bristol, Tenn., Richard S. (Patty) Orona of Elkhart and Bobby G. Krogman of Lakeland, Fla.; one daughter, Hope Rodriguez Haines of Elkhart; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Rita and Semona Orona and Mary Barrios, all of Lakeland; and four brothers, Raymond and George Orona Jr., both of Lakeland, Butch Orona of Salinas, Calif., and Jesse Orona of Texas.

She was preceded in death by one grandson, Adam Hyman; and one sister, Angie Sisneros.

Ms. Miramontes traveled across the U.S. as a migrant worker and was a homemaker who took great pride in her family. She was known for her sense of humor, positive attitude and ability to find the good in every circumstance. She enjoyed embroidering, crocheting, watching soap operas, bowling and teaching people how to make Latino dishes: sopas, enchiladas and hand-rolled tortillas. She was an accomplished cook and attended Abundant Life Ministries.

Friends may call from noon until the 2 p.m. funeral service Saturday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Brother Mel Hoover of Abundant Life Ministries will officiate. Cremation will follow the service.

Memorials may be given to Abundant Life Ministries, 2130 Middlebury St., Elkhart, IN 46516. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.