Thelma Elva Ortez, 80, of Live Oak, Texas, passed away on August 13, 2026. She was born Thelma Elva Jaros on April 16, 1946, in Batavia, New York, to Fred Jaros and Olive Eastman Jaros, and was raised in Attica, New York, where she graduated from Attica High School. She went on to attend cosmetology school.
On June 19, 1975, Thelma married Larry Lee Ortez. He preceded her in death on December 20, 2011.
After their marriage, Larry and Thelma made their home in Corpus Christi, Texas, where their families blended to include six children: Larry's three sons and a daughter from a previous marriage, and Thelma's two daughters from her previous marriage to Shane Kaufman. In 1977, the family moved to Live Oak, Texas, where Larry and Thelma remained until his death.
Thelma was an active member of her church, where she sang for many years in the choir.
She is survived by her children: Bobby Ortez (Cindy) of Raleigh, North Carolina; Curtis Ortez of Princeton, Texas; David Ortez (Leslie) of Lake Dallas, Texas; Angela Kinard (Sam) of Universal City, Texas; Sharain Faleide of Live Oak, Texas; and Tina Michaelson of Live Oak, Texas. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren, who will carry her memory forward.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Lee Ortez, and her parents, Fred and Olive Jaros.
A Visitation for Thelma will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Rd, Universal City, TX 78148. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Colonial Funeral Home. With a Committal Service to follow at 1:00PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. A reception will be held at the Kinard home following services.
