Stella Hinojos Ortiz, of Safford, passed away on July 17, 2020, in Oro Valley, Arizona. Stella was born on Nov. 1, 1941, in Safford, to parents Jose Palma Hinojos and Josephine Soto Hinojos, with siblings Albert, Margaret, and Arturo.
On June 29, 1957, Stella married Ramon Ortiz, Sr., and the young couple settled down in Safford. The family began to grow with the births of each of their children, Sylvia Ann, Ramon Jr., Angie, and Emily, which made Stella very happy. She loved giving birth to her four amazing children.
She enjoyed crocheting, baking, painting the house, and making tortillas. She also loved welcoming each new grandchild into the family and couldn’t wait to spoil each of them; she loved being a grandma. In February of 1978, Stella gave her life to Jesus and would often pray for anyone who would let her so that they would know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Stella was known to say, “I rebuke that in the name of Jesus!”, “Christo”, “Traviesa”, “Praise the Lord!”, “Como Frieges”, and “Ba”. She was always taking care of everyone else, and making sure everyone’s needs were met to the best of her ability. She loved unconditionally, prayed like a warrior, was loving, giving, faithful, and strong.
She is survived by her children, Sylvia Castilleja, Ramon Ortiz, Jr., Angie Ortiz Urrea (Tommy), and Emily Hart. She is also survived by her siblings, Albert “Beto” Hinojos, and Libby “Chivi” Hinojos; nine grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Stella was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ramon Ortiz, Sr.; by her parents, Jose and Josephine Hinojos, and her siblings, Arturo Hinojos, and Margaret Hinojos.
Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolence may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
