Betty J. Ortiz, 81, of St. Joe, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2024, in her residence with her family by her side.  Betty was born February 23, 1943, in Decatur, Indiana, daughter of the late John F. and Refugio (Castanedo) Ocampo.  Betty married Gilbert A. Ortiz on November 23, 1961, in Decatur, and he preceded her in death on May 3, 2001.  Betty worked at Sechler's Pickles in St. Joe for over 20 years, and farmed jalapeno peppers.  She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Hicksville, Ohio.  Betty loved life, enjoying Mexican music, dancing, and sharing her famous homemade tamales and zucchini bread with family and friends.    Most of all, Betty loved her family, shown through her many years as a dedicated homemaker and caregiver, especially for her husband Gilbert during his 14-year illness.

She is survived by her six children, Vivian (Kent) Likes of Butler, Indiana, Gilbert (Teri) Ortiz of Ossian, Indiana, Louie (Barb) Ortiz of Spencerville, Indiana, Victoria Ortiz of Auburn, Indiana, Valerie (Shannon Bryans) Ortiz of Buchanan, Michigan, and Kevin (Rachel McGinnis) Ortiz of Fort Wayne, Indiana; 16 grandchildren, Kendall Likes, Jessica (Jonathan) Bender, Megan (Jason) Sauer, Brandy (Greg) Hall, Brooke (Triston) Grady, Sabatha (Sean) Crager, Angelina (Aaron Thomas) Ortiz, Julio (Kelsey) Padilla Jr., Antonio Padilla, Isabell Bryans, Bodie Bryans, Alexis Ortiz, Brycen Ortiz, Craig (Maddie) McGinnis, Kylee McGinnis, and Caide McGinnis; 19 great-grandchildren; and a brother, George (Mona) Ocampo of Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gilbert; a great-grandson, Mateo Thomas; a sister, Victoria Macias; and two brothers, David Ocampo and Raymond Ocampo.

Visitation for Betty J. Ortiz will be held Friday, May 3, 2024, from 3:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 706 North Main Street, Hicksville, Ohio, where recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:00 P.M.  Funeral services for Betty will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in the funeral home with Father Daniel Borgelt officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the St. Michael Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, or to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.