Obituary for Jessie Kathryn Ortiz
Jessie Ortiz (Berry), 69 years old of Van Buren, AR, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 after decades of bravely battling cancer. She was born on May 27, 1953 in a taxicab on Dallas Street in Fort Smith to the late Jesse (J.T.) and Ellen F. Berry. She was graduate of Van Buren High School. She attended West-Ark and received her CNA certification and served as a caregiver for several years. Jessie later found a passion and talent for decorating cakes and worked as a bakery manager for several years in both Arkansas and Texas. Jessie in the late ‘90s moved to Dallas to proudly support her husband as an Army Spouse; she and Alberto were also very active members of the American Legion Post 321 of Plano Texas. Jessie and Alberto built a happy life together where they enjoyed cheering for the Cowboys, traveling, camping & fishing, attending baseball games, bowling and dominoes together.
Jessie in her retirement years moved back to Arkansas to enjoy the last few years with family where she enjoyed gardening, making floral arrangements, going to movies and attending sporting events with her children and grandchildren. She also loved her bowling league where she made many dear friends. She last attended Concord Baptist Church alongside of her daughters and their families.
Jessie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 15 years, SFC Alberto Ortiz, USA, Retired, along with her 3 precious sisters, Darlene Willet, Dee Dee Brown and Pytonis Harris.
Jessie is survived by her brother Varian Berry of Kibler, 2 daughters of Van Buren, Kathryn Comstock and Charity (John) Bender; her 3 grandkids, Michael (Falisha) Comstock, Alisha (Matt) McGrew and Zane Bender; 4 great grandchildren, Amber, Xander, Camden, and Macie; honorary daughter Kimberly Brown; along with several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service with be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday May 20, 2023 at Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren.
No Graveside services will be held.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Martin, Clivis Willet, John Bender, Michael Comstock, Matt McGrew and Scott Harris.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Concord Baptist Church or Cub Scout Pack 45 of Van Buren, AR.
Jessie in her retirement years moved back to Arkansas to enjoy the last few years with family where she enjoyed gardening, making floral arrangements, going to movies and attending sporting events with her children and grandchildren. She also loved her bowling league where she made many dear friends. She last attended Concord Baptist Church alongside of her daughters and their families.
Jessie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 15 years, SFC Alberto Ortiz, USA, Retired, along with her 3 precious sisters, Darlene Willet, Dee Dee Brown and Pytonis Harris.
Jessie is survived by her brother Varian Berry of Kibler, 2 daughters of Van Buren, Kathryn Comstock and Charity (John) Bender; her 3 grandkids, Michael (Falisha) Comstock, Alisha (Matt) McGrew and Zane Bender; 4 great grandchildren, Amber, Xander, Camden, and Macie; honorary daughter Kimberly Brown; along with several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service with be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday May 20, 2023 at Ocker Funeral Home of Van Buren.
No Graveside services will be held.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Martin, Clivis Willet, John Bender, Michael Comstock, Matt McGrew and Scott Harris.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Concord Baptist Church or Cub Scout Pack 45 of Van Buren, AR.