Antonio Ortiz Obituary

Our beloved father, grandfather and veteran, passed away on April 18, 2005. A long time resident of Colorado Springs, Tony (as known to his family and friends) passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Tony was born in Raton, New Mexico to Manuel Ortiz and Adelina (Crespin) Ortiz on February 10, 1924. Having served with the Army Air Guard at the end of World War II, he retired from the Air Force after serving 30 years, including fighting during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He retired from the Air Force at his last duty station, Peterson AFB, and decided to spend his retirement years in Colorado Springs, which he and his family had grown to love. He worked part time as a lunch clerk for Harrison School District 2 for many years. He is survived by three daughters: Cathy Weatherford (Bill) of San Diego, CA, Carol Ann Ortiz (Carl Kaesemacher) of Lakewood, CO and Laura Murphy (Dean) of Colorado Springs; one son, James Stephen Ortiz of Colorado Springs. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Sherri Lynn Miller-Guzman (Frank) of St. Louis, MO, James Stephen Ortiz Jr., Thomas Ortiz, Julia Kristine Murphy and Nathan Erik Murphy of Colorado Springs; and one great-grandchild, Antonio (Tony) Xavier Guzman of St. Louis, MO; his sister, Bennie O. Baca and his brother, Arsenio G. Ortiz both of Las Vegas, NM; and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Jane Maes Ortiz of Colorado Springs. He was a life long member of both The Retirement Enlisted Association (TREA) and VFW post 4051. There will be a viewing on Monday, April 25, 2005 from 3:00-6:00 p.m., followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. in the Memorial Gardens Chapel. A Catholic service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at the Memorial Gardens Chapel. Final resting place will be in Colorado Springs at Memorial Gardens Cemetery with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the USO or the Alzheimer's Association.