Juanita Ortiz, 81, Humboldt, Kansas died Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at her residence in Humboldt after a short battle with cancer. 

Juanita was born in Chanute on May 16, 1929, the daughter of Juan Serrato and Brigida “Olivia” Serrato.

She was united in marriage to Vincent Ortiz on August 25, 1950 in Bentonville, Ark. He preceded her in death.

She was a housewife.

Juanita is survived by three sons, Randy Ortiz, Lawrence, Eddie Ortiz and wife, Beth, LaHarpe, and Roger Ortiz, Danville, Ind.; three daughters, Carla Tabares and husband, Tony, Chanute, Teresa Estrella, Aurora, Colo., and Patricia Hanes and husband, Richard, Eudora; her companion Bill Wright; 24 grandchildren, Randy Crumrine, Denver, Colo., David Matters, Denver, Colo., Elena Williams, Boise, Idaho, Laura Estrella, Boise, Idaho, Jeremy Matters, California, Erica Ulrich, Eudora, Eric Hanes, Eudora, Jason Ortiz, Olathe, Christopher Ortiz, Lawrence, Valerie Ortiz, DeSoto, Michael Folk, Iola, Rusty Folk, Iola, Sarah Ortiz, Humboldt, Jaime Walker, LaHarpe, Josh Walker, Iola, Roger Cory Ortiz, Danville, Ind., Max Ortiz, Danville, Ind., Sierra Bauer, Wichita, Travis Tabares, Colorado Springs, Colo., Christopher Tabares, Springfield, Mo., Whitney Tabares, Chanute, Lucas Tabares, Chanute, Vincent Tabares, Chanute, and Mackenzie Tabares, Chanute; 16 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Alfred Serrato and Emilio Serrato, both of Chanute; and two sisters, Esther Ortiz and Elisa Narvaez, both of Chanute.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Serfin Serrato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 26. 2010 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Rosary will be recited on at 7 this evening at the church.

Memorials in her name may be made to Horizon Hospice or St. Patrick Catholic Church and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel is in charge of arrangements. 

“To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com”