Lydia Montalvo Ortiz

Lydia Montalvo Ortiz, born on December 5, 1947, in Kingsville, Texas, passed away on November 30, 2024, days shy of her 77th birthday. She was a remarkable woman whose life was woven with both love and sincerity. Raised on the Laureles Division of the legendary King Ranch, Lydia developed a deep appreciation for family and tradition that would guide her throughout her life.

As a Food Service Director, Lydia was known for her strong work ethic and her commitment to nurturing others. However, her greatest role was undoubtedly that of a loving matriarch. Lydia had a unique ability to spoil her grandchildren at every opportunity, embodying a warmth that turned any moment into a cherished memory. She was a proud grandmother who found immense joy in their laughter and achievements, never failing to let them know how special they were.

Lydia’s days often included cherished routines—like sitting outside under the large tree in her yard, feeding carrots to her beloved dachshund, Blondie, while waiting for her husband, Robert Ortiz, to return home from work. This image, so simple yet profoundly beautiful, speaks volumes of the love that filled her life. Her weekly phone calls to her son and daughter were a testament to her unwavering commitment to family, ensuring that the bonds she nurtured remained strong, no matter the distance.

Lydia was known for her brutally honest nature. She had a notable way of speaking her mind—often beginning with the phrase, “I hate to say it, but…” This honesty, however, stemmed from her genuine concern for others and her undying loyalty to those she loved. Her strength was not merely in her words but also in her actions; she prioritized the needs of her family above her own, earning her the profound respect and admiration of all who knew her.

Our mother is at peace with past relatives; she no longer has to worry about the material things of this world. She left a legacy of warmth, strength, and an unapologetic love for family and taught her children many things, so that in her absence they would not fear living without her. Mother had pretty big shoes to fill with her predecessors being, "Ama Concha" and “Wela Valana", the head matriarchs of the Montalvo Family. We can honestly say that "Grandma Red" is a true matriarch whose spirit will live on in every heart she touched.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Francisco Villa and Valeriana Riviera Montalvo; siblings, Lina M. Vela, Francis M. Mendietta, Jesus Montalvo, Braulio Montalvo, Sr., Jose Montalvo, and Oralia M. Saldaña.

Among those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 21 years, Robert Ortiz; her children, John (Veronica Mendiola) Moya and Sabrina (Jason) Byrom; sisters, Sylvia M. Garcia, Mercedes M. Kunkel, and Angelita M. Hernandez; grandchildren, Jordan Byrom, John Moya, II., and Julian Moya; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Final viewing will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church; with a mass of christian burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. A rite of committal and interment will follow at Riviera Cemetery, Riviera, Texas.