Celebrating the Life of
Gloria Ortiz
April 12, 1941 — April 17, 2026
Obituary
Gloria Clotilde Ortiz Minjares passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on April 12, 1941, in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Gloria lived a life defined by curiosity, independence, and a deep appreciation for both the simple and extraordinary moments life had to offer.
At her core, Gloria was a free spirit, someone who embraced life fully. She carried a natural curiosity and courage that shaped every phase of her life.
Raised in Ciudad Juárez by her mother, Pilar, Gloria grew into a woman unafraid to seek out the world. As a teenager, she moved to Mexico City, where her work with Aeroméxico opened the door to travel and discovery. These experiences shaped her lifelong love of adventure and learning.
As a mother, Gloria was strong, devoted, and unwavering. She raised her three children, Maureen, Maransazu, and Carlos, with love, discipline, and sacrifice. Through determination and hard work, she brought her family to the United States, building a life filled with opportunity. She created a home rich with warmth, where her cooking and baking became expressions of her love. She was affectionate and caring, yet demanding in a way that pushed her children toward growth and resilience.
In her later years, Gloria embraced life with the same passion she always had. As a grandmother, she was present, involved, and deeply loving, helping welcome many of her grandchildren into the world and remaining closely connected to each of them.
Her bond with Atreyu was especially strong, but all her grandchildren, Olivia, Isabel, Alessandra, Carlos Jr., and Braulio, were a constant source of pride and joy.
Gloria never stopped learning. She filled her days with creativity and curiosity, knitting, painting, and gardening. As a Certified Master Gardener for the Botanical Garden in San Antonio, she cultivated not only plants but a deep connection to nature. She found peace in walks outdoors, joy in creating with her hands, and fulfillment in continuously exploring new skills. Her appetite for life and learning never faded.
She will be remembered as strong, independent, curious, and free-spirited, with a playful and sometimes mischievous sense of humor. She lived many lives within one lifetime, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. She believed in kindness, integrity, and the importance of embracing life fully, lessons that will continue through her children and grandchildren.
Gloria is survived by her children: Maureen Ruiz and her husband, Ricardo D. Ruiz; Maransazu and her husband, Aaron; Carlos Guerrero and his wife, Sara. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Atreyu, son of Maransazu; Olivia, Isabel, Alessandra, Carlos Jr. and Braulio, children of Carlos.
Her spirit lives on in the lives she shaped, the love she gave, and the generations she helped guide. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Those who knew her are invited to share their memories and stories of Gloria here, so that her life and spirit can continue to be celebrated.
Memories and Condolences
Please share a photo or video, or post a heartfelt condolence to the family.
Gloria with her three Children Maury, Mara and Carlos year 2000
Gloria enjoying life with Maury, Mara, Aaron and Atreyu
Gloria enjoying dinner with Maury, Rick, and Atreyu
Gloria with her Daughter Maury
Gloria Vibes
Gloria
Gloria enjoying desert with her grandson Atreyu
Gloria as a child with her Mother Pilar
Gloria with her Son Carlos on Christmas
Gloria with her Grandson Atreyu
Gloria with her Daughter Mara and Grandson Atreyu
Gloria celebrating her 76th birth day with her Grandchildren Olivia, Isabel, Alessandra and Carlos Jr.
Gloria and her son Carlos at a holiday party
Gloria enjoying dinner with Mara, Aaron and Atreyu
Gloria in Germany 1981
Gloria with a friend
Gloria in Portugal
Gloria with Carlos
Christmas pic 🌲 Gloria always has a great sense of humor and was never afraid to laugh or be silly.
Atreyu and grandma loved to play and have fun! Inn of the Mountain Gods in Ruidoso, NM.
Vacation time 😎 Atreyu and grandma in Port Aransas, TX.
Atreyu and mom at the Historic Market Square in San Antonio, TX.
Celebrating Christmas with the family in Ruidoso, NM.
Gloria and Olivia making cookies
Gloria and her Grandson Carlos Jr
Gloria welcoming her Granddaughter Alessandra into the world
Grandma Gloria had always been a special person in my life playing a since I was little and helping me peruse my artistic passion, to now supporting me with school and the sports I have been involved in. I will forever be grateful I was able to share my life with her and will miss her everyday.
🌺 Friend Adrienne said it best for this great group of friends, “She will be remembered, lovingly.” 💕 —Her Herbal SIG Friends
Grandma Gloria was one of the most happy and loving people in my life, and she had a way of making everything feel better just by being herself. When I was younger, she spent so much time with our family, helping with my younger siblings, and those moments meant so much because I got to see her fun, silly personality and feel the comfort of being around her. As I got older and we lived farther apart, we stayed close through FaceTime, and she always made me feel important by asking about my life, especially my soccer dreams. She truly believed in me and was one of my biggest supporters, always asking for my autograph for when I’m famous,which never failed to make me smile. Being able to visit her recently and spend that quality time together meant everything to me, especially hearing her stories about my dad when he was younger and feeling even more close to her. She wasn’t just my grandma, she was someone who made me feel loved and supported and the memories I have with her will always stay close to my heart. I will miss her more than I can put into words.
This is the last picture of mi Tia Gloria que descanse en paz
Mami, You were strong, independent like a Phoenix, always rising no matter what. Funny, sassy, a little mischievous, that was you, and I’m going to miss you so much. I will always have unconditional love for you. Always. Love you, Mom. 🐦🔥
Gloria was a wonderful, vibrant soul who brought light into every room she entered. She found joy in making others happy, especially through the exquisite flavors of her cooking, which will be remembered with deep love by all who were lucky enough to taste them. Her kindness, warmth, and generous spirit touched many lives, and she will be dearly missed. She will always be remembered with love.
Yes… You always carried a wonderful aura with you wherever you went. You always seemed to put others before yourself. This was most easily seen at home In the kitchen! Maybe I just noticed that a little more cuz uv the yummy grub you’d always cook up. 🤤 You were a pleasure to be around wether you were playing Patty Cake at a Ski Lodge or Strolling on the Beach, or simply just relaxing at home, cooking or baking something yummy for everyone else to feast on. We will always Love and Miss you, Gloria. (Mom) RIP 🪦💐 Aaron 😎♥️♥️😎
An incredibly loving grandmother who never failed to make you feel adored and loved every time you spoke with her. She always said how proud she was and how one of her greatest joys in life was being our grandma and watching us grow. She was kind and made us feel seen and valued as her grandchildren. I will miss you greatly grandma and I will always hold you and our final conversation close to my heart.
On behalf of the Herbal "Special Interest Group" of friends that Gloria was a special part of over the past decade and more, we would like to extend our condolences to family and other friends for the loss of this special soul. 🌺🌿 🌺Friend Jane shared, "She was a lovely woman. She was quiet & listening when she gave you her full attention, and so funny and spontaneous when she was happy, which was often. I will personally miss her infectious laugh, her joy in life, her spirit." 🌺Friend Nancy stated, "Gloria was pure joy to be around; the loveliest human being. She was fun and compassionate with a beautiful Godly spirit!❤️ I will cherish the last time I saw her at an evening event with her family, having the best time ever!" 🌺Friend Judit feels so blessed for the friendship that developed during the many outings, tea parties, & spa days this group of friends did together. She was kind, thoughtful, and joyful... and always brought some of the yummiest dishes to our gatherings! 🌺Friend Leslie shared, "I will miss her quiet serenity, her grace, and poise." And shared the following: "I am the wind amongst the willows. I am eagles in flight. I return to the hand of God."💕 Gloria will be missed, but her lovely spirit will continue to be with us. A life well lived, means that you touch many lives, and she has done that. 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕
Send Gifts and Donations
Show your support by sending a sympathy gift or making a donation.
