Marie Conception Ortiz

Marie Conception Ortiz was born in Gilman, CO on July 11,1937 to Jacob Martinez and Matilde Mora. She left her mortal existence to join her Father and the Virgin Mary in Heaven on July 24, 2018 in her home peacefully with her husband by her side. Marie was the youngest of four children, which included Jack, Manuel and Art. She was raised in the beautiful Rocky Mountains about 10 miles from Vail, CO in the town of Redcliff. Marie attended Redcliff School from K – 12thgrade. At Redcliff school, she was active as a cheerleader and was Prom Queen her senior year. She was selected to attend the prestigious Colorado Girl’s State after graduating high school. She met the man she would be married to for over 60 years, Rudolph Ortiz, U.S.M.C. Marie and Rudy would embark on many adventures that military life would bring including living in Raton NM, Twenty Nine Palms CA, San Francisco, Okinawa, and finally settling in Barstow, CA. She traveled the world visiting Mexico, Okinawa, Japan, Taiwan, and Greece. Marie gave birth to four children which included Deborah, Steven, Lawrence and James. Lawrence passed away at two weeks of age. Marie’s family was her world and she was always so proud to be a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Marie enjoyed many personal joys in life. She was most proud of her poems being published in the International Poetry Hall of Fame. Marie volunteered her time for many services in the Barstow community including teaching preschool, the Senior Citizens Gift Shop, various Catholic charities, and Barstow High School Cross Country/Track. She also enjoyed painting, playing the organ, collecting all things angels, caring for her pets, and being with her family and friends. Her spaghetti, lasagna and green chili dishes were epic as was the fudge she made for her family every Christmas! She was also the world’s biggest Elvis fan! Marie was a devoted Catholic and loved her prayer time and attending mass. Marie is preceded in death by her mother, father, three brothers and her son Lawrence. She is survived by her husband Rudy “Sarge” Ortiz, daughter Deborah Centner, sons Steven and James Ortiz, grandchildren Sara Tucker, Zack Centner, Josh Centner, Juliana Ortiz, Claire Ortiz, great granddaughter Scarlett Tucker, son in law Mike Centner and daughter in law Cindy Victorin – Ortiz.

Services will be hold on August 17, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Barstow at 505 East Mountain View St. in Barstow.

Marie touched so many lives with her kind, gentle and loving heart. She was loved and respected by many and is now watching over her loved ones. She truly was and is an Angel of God.