Juanita Ortiz

Juanita Ortiz passed away unexpectedly on Sep. 26, 2014 at the age of 42. She was born in San Jose, CA. on Oct. 2, 1971. She was a lifelong resident of Santa Clara, CA. Juanita graduated in 1989 from Santa Clara High School and immediately enlisted in the United States Army. She was a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic who distinguished herself during Operation Desert Storm, Desert Shield while serving in Kuwait from 1990 to 1991. After the Persian Gulf conflict ended, Juanita returned home and continued her military service with the United States Army National Guard. Juanita earned her Associate in Science Degree in July 2002 from Evergreen Valley College and she earned her Associate in Art Degree in December 2002 from San Jose City College. Both degrees were in the Administration of Justice field. Juanita worked for a variety of defense contractors after leaving military service. She worked in various administrative assistant positions for Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company including as a Senior Executive Administrative Assistant for seven years. She also provided administrative support to the U.S. Air Force while working for Lockheed Martin at Onizuka AFS, CA. Juanita is survived by her daughter Jeannette Jones, her son Darryl Jones Jr., her parents Amparo M. Ortiz and Evarista T. Ortiz, brothers George Guzman, Joseph Hernandez and David Lopez and her sister Candida Hernandez. Juanita was an avid cat lover. She donated her free time to Town Cats, helping and fostering abandoned/orphaned cats. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara.