Lucia Ortiz

Lucia Mendez Ortiz, 85, of Wylie, Texas passed into the presence of Our Lord and Savior the morning of February 23, 2020. Lucy was born to Patricio and Alcaria Ramirez Mendez on October 31, 1934 in Barstow, Texas.

Lucy graduated from Monahans High School in 1956. Shortly thereafter she met the love of her life, Jerry Ortiz, and they married November 28, 1959 in Monahans. The two moved to Odessa where Lucy began work as a kindergarten teacher. In 1966 Lucy and Jerry welcomed a son Andrew. Lucy was the greatest mother a son could ever be blessed with.

In the 1970's Lucy started work at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Odessa as a receptionist. Over the next thirty years at St. Joseph's she served as a CCD Teacher, RCIA Teacher, Eucharist Minister, Lector, and Crucillista. Lucy was also a member of the Legion of Mary and the Catholic Women's Organization. She retired in 2005. In retirement she and Jerry were very active at the Senior Citizen's Center, and she still enjoyed festivities there after Jerry's passing in 2012. Lucy loved to pass the time reading a good book or recent events in the newspaper. She stayed active going on walks and taking in the scenery.

In 2017 Lucy relocated to be closer to her beloved son Andy. She was so happy living at Garnet Hill and playing bingo and doing activities with her many friends who are left feeling a void in her absence. The staff just loved "Miss Ortiz" and will forever miss her sitting in the sunshine, feet propped up, reading her newspaper. Lucy's favorite part of everyday was her visit from Andy...she would light up with that beautiful smile. She was so grateful that prior to her brief illness she was able to attend and be a crucial part in Andy's marriage ceremony.

Left to mourn Lucy is her son Andy Ortiz (Cheyenne), grand-dogs Bella Marie and Sookie, God-Daughter Laura Castillo, and siblings Felipe Sotelo (Oscar), Rosa Oyerbides (Federico), Esther Gonzalez (Francisco), Alvino Mendez (Delia), Rodolfo Mendez (Maria), Oscar Mendez, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded by husband Jerry Ortiz, her parents, and siblings Ambrosia Mendez, Nolberto Mendez, Anita Mendez, and Santiago Mendez.

Andy and Cheyenne would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Garnet Hill as well as at Methodist Richardson Medical Center for their exceptional care and love they showed Lucy.

In Lieu of flowers please make a donation in Lucy's name to St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Odessa, Texas.