Gloria Ortiz

Gloria Clotilde Ortiz Minjares passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on April 12, 1941, in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Gloria lived a life defined by curiosity, independence, and a deep appreciation for both the simple and extraordinary moments life had to offer.

At her core, Gloria was a free spirit, someone who embraced life fully. She carried a natural curiosity and courage that shaped every phase of her life.

Raised in Ciudad Juárez by her mother, Pilar, Gloria grew into a woman unafraid to seek out the world. As a teenager, she moved to Mexico City, where her work with Aeroméxico opened the door to travel and discovery. These experiences shaped her lifelong love of adventure and learning.

As a mother, Gloria was strong, devoted, and unwavering. She raised her three children, Maureen, Maransazu, and Carlos, with love, discipline, and sacrifice. Through determination and hard work, she brought her family to the United States, building a life filled with opportunity. She created a home rich with warmth, where her cooking and baking became expressions of her love. She was affectionate and caring, yet demanding in a way that pushed her children toward growth and resilience.

In her later years, Gloria embraced life with the same passion she always had. As a grandmother, she was present, involved, and deeply loving, helping welcome many of her grandchildren into the world and remaining closely connected to each of them.

Her bond with Atreyu was especially strong, but all her grandchildren, Olivia, Isabel, Alessandra, Carlos Jr., and Braulio, were a constant source of pride and joy.

Gloria never stopped learning. She filled her days with creativity and curiosity, knitting, painting, and gardening. As a Certified Master Gardener for the Botanical Garden in San Antonio, she cultivated not only plants but a deep connection to nature. She found peace in walks outdoors, joy in creating with her hands, and fulfillment in continuously exploring new skills. Her appetite for life and learning never faded.

She will be remembered as strong, independent, curious, and free-spirited, with a playful and sometimes mischievous sense of humor. She lived many lives within one lifetime, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. She believed in kindness, integrity, and the importance of embracing life fully, lessons that will continue through her children and grandchildren.

Gloria is survived by her children: Maureen Ruiz and her husband, Ricardo D. Ruiz; Maransazu and her husband, Aaron; Carlos Guerrero and his wife, Sara. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Atreyu, son of Maransazu; Olivia, Isabel, Alessandra, Carlos Jr. and Braulio, children of Carlos.

Her spirit lives on in the lives she shaped, the love she gave, and the generations she helped guide. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Those who knew her are invited to share their memories and stories of Gloria here, so that her life and spirit can continue to be celebrated.