Johnny C. Ortiz, age 76, of Belding, formerly of Greenville, passed away early Sunday morning, February 18, 2018 Heartland Health Care Center in Ionia under the care of Heartland Hospice following a hard fought battle with cancer.

The son of Jesus & Jovita (Cornego) Ortiz, he was born on March 13, 1941 in Carson City.  On March 23, 1968, in Belding, he married Alice Marie Cole and together they raised five children and enjoyed almost 50 years of marriage. 

Johnny started working at Federal-Mogul Corporation in 1976 and retired in 2003.  Many will remember Johnny sitting in his truck, reading the paper, and watching people pass by.  He enjoyed trips to the casino and playing the lottery, but his greatest joy was found in time spent with his family…  especially his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  and a son, Don Cole.  Surviving are his wife, Alice Ortiz;  their children, Kristine & Scott Houston of Ionia,  Johnny M. Ortiz of Greenville, Connie Ortiz of Belding;  and Melissa & Carlos Tapia of Fenwick;  many grandchildren and great grandchildren;   his siblings, Margaret Judy Davis of Greenville, Rocki & Jim Harris of Greenville, Joseph & Laura Ortiz of Ionia, Jesse Ortiz of Grand Rapids, Dick Ortiz of Greenville, JoAnn & Eddie Abbott of Baldwin, and Dennis Ortiz of Greenville;  siblings-in-law, Thurland Cole & Linda Marsh, and Mary Hagadus;  and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation with the family is from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.  Chaplain Madelyn Thompson of Heartland Hospice will officiate.  

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to all of Johnny's caregivers at Heartland Health Care Center and Heartland Hospice.  Envelopes for memorial contributions to Heartland Hospice will be available at the funeral home.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Johnny's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit:  www.ChristiansenCares.com  Arrangements were entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.