Erlenda S. Ortiz

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Her love and guidance will remain a lasting blessing.

Erlenda S. Ortiz, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2026, in Garden City, Kansas, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. She was born on December 17, 1944, to Frank and Yzabel (Luna) Sertuche, in Calvert, Texas. She lived a life marked by strength, devotion, joy, and deep love for her family.

Erlenda was raised on a farm in Texas and was very much her father’s daughter. She loved helping with the livestock, working on vehicles, and working alongside him whenever she had the chance. That early spirit of hard work and determination remained with her throughout her life. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, known for her generous heart and for creating a home where no one went unfed. Her children and grandchildren remembered her as someone who fed anyone who needed or wanted a meal and led her family with both tenderness and resolve. She was strong-willed in raising her children with love, teaching them to respect those around them and to always speak respectfully to their elders. Her love was often tough, given in the hope that her family would become the best they could be.

Erlenda also carried a bright and joyful spirit. She absolutely loved music and dancing whenever she was able, and she always had a smile on her face. To those who knew her best, she was a steady presence and a source of comfort and strength. Her family will miss her dearly; as she was a lifeline to all of her children and grandchildren. Her faith was an abiding part of her life. She knew her Lord, and her loved ones take comfort in knowing she is now in His arms.

She is survived by her sons, Armando Ortiz and his wife Felix of Liberal, Kansas; Alexander Frausto and his wife Felipa of Dallas, Texas; Julio Ortiz and his significant other, Cindy, of Wichita, Kansas; Manuel Ortiz and his wife Ginny of Garden City, Kansas; Pete Ortiz and his fiancée Maria of Garden City, Kansas; Christopher Ortiz and his wife Joatta of Garden City, Kansas; and Beto Ortiz and his wife Ruby of Liberal, Kansas. She is also survived by her daughters, Josephine Marez and her husband Alberto of Denver, Colorado; Rita Ortiz and her fiancé, Paul, of Garden City, Kansas; Andera Anderson and her husband Jason of Garden City, Kansas; Sylvia Ortiz of Garden City, Kansas; Sheila Ortiz and her significant other, Sammy, of Lubbock, Texas; and Lilianabel Ortiz of Lubbock, Texas. She is further survived by her brother, Frank Sertuche Jr. 

Her love and guidance will remain a lasting blessing to her family, including her sixty grandchildren, one hundred and seven great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Felix Ortiz; her parents, Frank and Yzabel Sertuche; her sons, Elias Tovar and Angel Rodriguez; her daughter, Rebecca Ortiz; and her sisters, Mary Sertuche and Lilly Frausto. Their memories remained part of her heart throughout her life, and now she is reunited with those who went before her.

A book signing will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Robson Funeral Home - Garden City, 620 N. Main, Garden City, Kansas 67846.

A Rosary service will be held that evening, Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 509 St. John St., Garden City, Kansas 67846.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

A burial will immediately follow the Memorial Service at Valley View Cemetery.

Erlenda’s life was one of work, faith, music, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, hospitality, respect, and love that will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.