Obituary of Tony Ortiz

Antonio Luna Ortiz, 78, loving husband to Gloria Ortiz, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 in Amarillo, Tx. He was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as he went Home peacefully with them by his side. He was born August 21, 1944 in Derby, Tx to Guadalupe and Maria Luna Ortiz. He grew up with one brother and three sisters. Tony settled in Abernathy, Tx in 1961 where he met Yolanda Ortiz. They married on January 12, 1962. Together, Tony and Yolanda had 5 children and they shared 45 wonderful years together. Yolanda preceded him in death on March 5th, 2007. Tony met Gloria Hernandez through a mutual friend over the phone. They would speak on the phone nearly every day until he decided to surprise her at her work a few months later and asked if she would like to go eat at Furr’s Cafeteria. That was their official first date. After that, they only had eyes for each other. After asking about one hundred times, on December 3rd, 2008, Tony and Gloria got married thus beginning their beautiful romance. They shared 15 wonderful years together. Along with their marriage came three sons. He was very close and involved with Gloria’s sons and family and cherished the relationship he built with them. They all loved him very much and immediately welcomed him to the family. Tony was employed as the caretaker for the Abernathy Cemetery for 35 years and took great pride in his work. Gloria worked alongside him for three of those years. When he wasn’t working at the cemetery he was piddling around in his yard, planting trees, building sheds, and collecting tools, appliances or electronics. He had a man cave outside where he would go listen to his music at full blast or watch Nightmare Before Christmas on repeat. Tony was a very devout man of God which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He was a proud member of the First Church of the Nazarene for over 50 years and was the groundskeeper there for many of those years. He and Gloria started leading the music in 2010. He loved to sing for the Lord and his favorite hymn was “Because of God’s Amazing Grace”. Tony was blessed with a large and loving family. He is survived by Gloria Ortiz, his wife of 15 years. One sibling, Anna Ortiz. Three children; Ricardo and Wife Wendy Ortiz of Canyon, Tx, Cristela Ortiz of Abernathy and Danny Ortiz of Abernathy. Three Step-Sons; Joel Santos Jr and Wife Nicole of San Antionio, Tx, Jose Santos of Lubbock, Tx, Jerry and Wife Cynthia Santos of Floydada, Tx. 17 grandchildren; Jordan, Justine, Zachary, Michelle, Adrianna, Isaac, Ericka, Jacob, Armando, Alfonso, Lauren, Diego, Harviel, Jacinto, Anastasia, Azaylee and Aliana Rose. 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother; Eloy, 2 sisters; Alicia and Rafaela and 2 sons Tony Ortiz and Tony L Ortiz, Jr. Memorial services will be held at 10:00 am Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in the First Church of the Nazarene, 511 Ave E, Abernathy. Cremation services are under the direction of Abell Funeral Home & Flower Shop of Abernathy.