Maria Rosario Ortiz's Obituary
Maria Rosario Ortiz returned home to the lord on April 14, 2026, in Milam, Texas at the age of 86. Born on August 11, 1939, in Uvalde, Texas, to Joaquin Pena and Carolina Flores, where she lived during her early years. Maria spent much of her life creating and nurturing connections with her community in Leesville, Louisiana before moving to Milam, Texas a year ago. Maria was a friend to all and lived a life rooted in faith, service, and strong family bonds.
Maria was the eldest of nine, a role she carried with grace, honor, and a deep sense of responsibility. She was a proud sister, mother, and grandmother whose love was boundless and unwavering.
Known for her warmth and friendly demeanor, Maria poured her kindness into everything that she did. She was always cooking for others; No friend, family member, or stranger left her home without a plate of food and a soda from her outdoor fridge. She found joy in volunteering wherever she was needed, and took great pride in being part of organizations devoted to helping others and making the world a better place.
Maria dedicated over fifty years to selling Avon, building lasting friendships along the way, and spent over thirty years as a beloved bartender at Catfish Junction, where her familiar presence and generous spirit made everyone feel welcome.
She was a lifetime member of the VFW in Leesville, a lifetime member of American Legion Post 387 in New Llano, and a devoted member of the American Legion Auxiliary Club. She was also a proud member of the West Central Shriners Club and Ice Cream and Bingo with the Circle Group and Lisa sponsored by Byrd Regional Hospital.
Maria loved sharing her home-cooked meals, hosting summer barbeques and family get togethers, spending time in her many gardens each season with her other half, Orie "Woody" Woods, and dancing countless nights away. Above all, Maria loved the lord. Her faith guided her life, her hands were rarely still, and her heart was always open.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her servant's heart, and the countless lives she touched through simple acts of love, kindness, and generosity. Her presence was a blessing and her memory will be cherished always.
Maria is survived by her daughters, Wanda Thrash and her husband Mark, of Fort Myers, Florida, and Elisha Hickman and her husband Claude, of Milam; her sisters, Irma Luevano, Stella Samarripa, Lydia Torres, Cecilia Luna, Ana Santos, and Pat Perez; her grandchild, Ruben DeLuna; and great-grandchildren, Jordan Gallion-Ortiz, Gavin Arabie, and Asuna DeLuna.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joaquin Pena and Carolina Flores, her husband, Pedro Ortiz; her sons, Mike Ortiz, Toney Ortiz, and Pedro Ortiz, Jr.; her brother, Frank Pena; her sister, Dora Desidere and her significant other, Orie "Woody" Woods.
Memorial services will be held Friday, May 15, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at the Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville. Visitation will begin at 2:00 P.M. until time of service at the funeral home.
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