To Celebrate a Life of Love: Margarita Petra Ortiz
July 7, 1946-November 10, 2020
Margarita Petra Ortiz went to be with the Lord on November 10, 2020, at the age of 74, in San Antonio, TX. She was born on July 7, 1946 in Atascosa County, TX. She is preceded in death by her husband, Rudy C. Ortiz; parents, Norberto and Julia Rodriguez; daughter, Elizabeth Ortiz-Flournoy; siblings, RoseLee Delgado, Bertha Rodriguez, Mary Florentina Rodriguez, Juan Rodriguez and Gilbert Rodriguez. Margarita is survived by her loving children, Michelle Zuniga (Gilbert) and Eric Ortiz (Christina Montoya); step-mother, Estella Rodriguez; siblings, Beatrice Rodgriguez Green (Leo), Delfina Rodriguez (Jesse Castillo), Jesus Rodriguez (Melinda), Eulalio Rodriguez (Isabel), Raymond Rodriguez (Clara) and Fernando Rodriguez; step-siblings, Rosalinda Rodriguez (Jose Santos) and Alfredo Rodriguez; grandchildren, Gabriel Zane Zuniga, Zoe Nicole Zuniga, Ryan Ortiz and Amarige Diaz, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends.
Education was a huge part of Margarita’s life. She was a student at San Antonio College until she met and fell in love with Rudy C. Ortiz. During their 39 years of marriage, she continued to pursue her dream of getting her college degree and on May 8, 1999 received her Bachelors of Art from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Margarita worked for Southwestern Bell for 25 years at which time she took early retirement to help care for her grandson, Gabriel Zane, and granddaughter, Zoe. When her husband fell ill to lung cancer, she stayed by his side, day and night, nursing and caring for him until his death.
Margarita was a huge Spurs fan and watched almost every game religiously. She knew all the players and could talk stats with the best of them. She also had her Spurs memorabilia proudly displayed throughout her house and always had her Spurs flags firmly mounted on her car windows, sometimes long after the season was over.
Margarita had a love of flowers and plants. She planted roses all along her house, had a peach tree and numerous potted plants and flowers. When her health made it too difficult to tend to her plants, she still had a beautiful display thanks to Michael’s and Hobby Lobby.
Above all else, Margarita loved her family. She made sure to attend every family gathering, birthday party, baby shower, graduation, play, or event that she could. She made a point to ensure that everyone had what they needed and were cared for and did not go without.
Visitation will be Monday, November 23, 2020 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Mission Burial Park South.