Lydia G. Ortiz

Lydia Ortiz, 92, passed away on June 16, 2023, in Arlington, Texas.

Lydia was born on June 18, 1930, in Lightner, Texas, to Cayetano Rios and Felisa Garcia Rios. She was lovingly raised by her maternal grandparents, Genaro and Emilia Garcia.

Lydia graduated from Melvin High School in 1948, and went on to earn an Associate’s Degree from Angelo State University in 1950 and a Bachelor’s Degree at Texas A&I University in 1968. A lifelong learner, Lydia also obtained a Master’s Degree from Hardin Simmons University in 1999.

In 1968, she started her career as an elementary school teacher in the Kingsville Independent School District and, beginning in 1970, in the Abilene Independent School District. Lydia went on to teach for over twenty-four years. Even after her retirement, she stayed busy as a volunteer teacher and tutor in the Abilene community for many years.

Lydia was a devout Catholic and a loyal parishioner at St. Vincent’s Catholic Church in Abilene, Texas.

Lydia married Aureliano Ortiz on November 24, 1951, and they had four children: David Alexander Ortiz, Daniel Aureliano Ortiz, Robert Nolberto Ortiz, and Elda Louise Apostolow.

Lydia is survived by sons David Ortiz and wife Robyn, Daniel and wife Sherry Ortiz, and Robert and wife Becky Ortiz; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sisters Dora Urquidi and Nelda Cipriano, and brothers Dario (“Buddy”) Garcia and Ernest Reyes.

Lydia is preceded in death by her husband Aureliano (Nano) Ortiz, her daughter Elda, her daughter-in-law Virginia Ortiz, her parents and grandparents, and many siblings.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 11:00 am at the St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Arlington, Texas.

A Rosary will be held at 10:40 am, Thursday at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church.

Burial services for Mrs. Lydia Ortiz will be held at Melvin Cemetery in Melvin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Lydia Ortiz’s honor to the Ortiz Elementary School, 2550 Vogel St. #1704, Abilene, Texas 79603.