Obituary of Nicholas Ortiz

Garden City, Kansas Nicholas "Nick" L. Ortiz, Jr., age 61, died Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Western Plains Medical Complex in Dodge City, Kansas. He was born October 9, 1948 in Garden City, Kansas the son of Nicholas and Mary Louise Hernandez Ortiz. He graduated from Garden City High School and from Garden City Community College where he received his degree in cosmetology with honors. He had been a resident of Dodge City since 2007 moving from Garden City where he had owned and operated the Lions Mane Hair Salon. He had also worked as a cosmetic consultant and hair stylist in Los Angeles, CA. Nick was a lifetime professional percussionist and trumpet player. He played with various groups such as The Continentals, for the Jerry Lewis Telethon, for his family's band, Los Hermanos Ortiz y Amigos and for other local bands. He also enjoyed cooking and music. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Garden City. On May 22, 1971 he married Ramona Alcaraz in Garden City, Kansas. Survivors Include: One Son, Nick Ortiz, III of Dodge City; His Father, Nick Ortiz, Sr. of Garden City; 11 Siblings, C. Ernie, Clifford, David & Annette Ortiz, all of Garden City; Paul Ortiz, Martha Sanchez & Carole Ramos, all of Wichita; Glen Ortiz of Topeka, KS; Diane Lucero of Pueblo, CO; Barbara Bowen of Omaha, NE; and Betty Jo Herme' of Santa Clarita, CA; and Several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his mother, a brother, Edward Ortiz, and a sister, Yvonne Vasquez. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00am on Friday, October 16, 2009 @ the First United Methodist Church in Garden City, Kansas with the Rev. Brenda Fluellen presiding. No public visitation times are scheduled. The family requests memorials be given to the Nick Ortiz, Jr. Memorial Fund in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home of Garden City.