Lydia C. Ortiz

Lydia Contreras Ortiz passed peacefully into enteral life while surrounded by her loving family on October 23, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and cherished memories that will forever be held dear to her family and friends.

Lydia met the love of her life and husband of 66 years, Ricardo Ortiz Sr., her freshman year and his senior year in high school in Orange Grove, Texas. She left school to marry him and then later returned to school and received her GED. They were married on December 28, 1958, in Orange Grove, Texas. Theirs is a true love story.

Lydia was always ready to help her daughter, Merida, prepare floral arrangements for weddings, quinceaneras, or any other event or celebration as she was very creative, especially in color coordinating. She was also ready to give a helping hand by volunteering at her grandchildren’s schools, giving of her time and talents. She found joy and excitement being around her grandchildren, always giving them encouragement, support and guidance. Teaching them through her actions and deeds to be attentive to the needs of others.

Lydia loved dressing up and looking immaculate; from hair to make-up, outfits, matching shoes, and all accessories. She also made sure her husband, Pastor Richard , was dressed properly to match whatever color she was wearing.

Lydia enjoyed watching her all time favorite TV Show, The Molly B. Polka Party, as she loved polka music and seeing the dancers skillfully dance to all the rhythms of old fashion music. She also looked forward to the holidays, Christmas being her favorite. She enjoyed the sharing of memories, the laughter, the meals, and the gifts; but most importantly, she loved the family unity and fellowship.

Lydia was a women of faith. She supported her husband, the Pastor of La Iglesia De Cristo, and assisted him in bringing unity among the congregation, sharing and preparing meals for church fellowship, all while living her faith through her actions and deeds.

Left to cherish her memories are her beloved husband, Ricardo Ortiz Sr.; her children, Merida (Juan) Mata, Rick Ortiz Jr., Melinda (Romeo, deceased) Gonzalez, and Cindy Cardona Lopez, whom she loved as a daughter; grandchildren, Nicole Mata, Kimberly (Joe) Hnizdo, Joseph (Mandy) Ortiz, Juan Mata Jr., Paula Ortiz, Aaron J. Ortiz, and Maritza Anell Gonzalez; great-grandchildren, Jackson Tyler Perez (Syerra Vrana), Caleb James Perez, Sofia Lorena Perez, Riley, Sadie, Avery, Joseph III Hnizdo, Evelyn Ortiz, Owen Ortiz, Sebastian Ortiz, Liam McPherphson, Sienna Haynes, Penelope Alaniz, and Dezmond Miles Mata; sisters-in-law, Dora (Catarino-deceased) Contreras, Bertha (Efrain-deceased)Diaz, and Amalia (Raul-deceased) Oritz; brothers-in-law, Abelardo (Elvira) Ortiz, Noe (Maria Elena) Ortiz, and Martin (Mae) Ortiz; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Juan and Paula Contreras; her in-laws, Abel and Ysmenia Ortiz; her siblings, Dominga (Nicolas) Alaniz, Flavia (Anselmo) Rivera, Herlinda (Lupe) Rivera, Francisca (Wilfredo) Rivera; brother-in-law, Abel (Aurora) Ortiz; and sisters-in- law, Elida (Juan) Padilla and Alicia Valadez.

Lydia’s family will receive condolences at Iglesia De Cristo, located on South Texas Blvd. next to the Alice Boys & Girls Club, on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM, with a Prayer Service to start at 11:30AM. A funeral cortege will depart shortly thereafter for Rite of Committal and Interment at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, where Lydia will be laid to rest in the peace of Christ.

Honoring Lydia as pallbearers are Joseph Ortiz, JJ Mata, Aaron Oritz, Maritza Gonzalez, Jackson Perez and Caleb Perez.

To leave your condolences for the family of Lydia Contreras Ortiz, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.