Ofelia Leija Santiago, 77, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi - St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas. She was born October 21, 1948 in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of Rodolfo C. and Frances (Leija) Villarreal.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband of 59 years, Jimmy Esparza Santiago III; her sister and brother-in-law, Teresa (Michael) Casey; along with her grandson, Christian Santiago.
She is survived by: her children, Jimmy (Lisa) Santiago IV and Ricky (Heather) Santiago; her siblings, Grace (Marvin) Brenner, Rose (Steve) Robinson, Rodolfo "Rudy" (Denise) Villarreal Jr., and Roy (Sue Anne) Villarreal; her grandchildren, Ana "Raquel" Santiago, Patricia Santiago, Olivia Santiago, Miranda Santiago, Dominic Santiago, Ricky Santiago Jr.; as well as great-grandchild, Christian Santiago Jr.; and one great-granddaughter, Lyla Elaine Martinez on the way; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
No viewing will be held, cremation has been chosen.
Memorial Service will be held 1:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, Kansas 67209. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Wichita Kansas Nurses Honor Guard; memorials may be left in care of the mortuary.
