Josemaria Eugene Ortiz

Josemaria Eugene Ortiz Sr., known as Baby Joe, passed away September 10th, 2019 at the age of 49, surrounded by his loving family.
Josemaria was born April 1st, 1970 in Ajo, Arizona to Josemaria R. Ortiz and Norma Faye DeWitt. He lived in Ajo all his life.
In 1994, he enlisted in the Army-National Guard where he served as a heavy wheel vehicle mechanic.
On July 14th, 1989, he married the love of his life, Georgina Bustamante. Together they have three children, Virginia Denise, Josemaria Jr., and Guillermo.
Josemaria worked for Why Desert Diamond Casino for 22 years as the security/surveillance operations manager. He was also a master mechanic.
Baby Joe was known as a family man and was very devoted to his wife, kids and grandkids. He enjoyed fixing cars and working with his hands. He enjoyed the outdoors and would often be found in the desert, driving around Ajo in his red Jeep, or standing out in front of his home cooking out for his entire family. He enjoyed giving a helping hand to anyone in need. He was always surrounded by friends and family.
Josemaria was preceded in death by his parents, Josemaria R. and Norma Ortiz; by his brother Benjamin Ortiz; his maternal grandmother Virginia Manuel; and paternal grandparents Francisco and Rosina Ortiz.
He was survived by his wife of 30 years, Georgina Ortiz; by his sons, Josemaria E. Ortiz "Junior", and Guillermo "Memo" Ortiz; by his daughter Virginia "Gigi" Ortiz; by his grandson D’Ray Ortiz; and granddaughters Samantha Ortiz and Adela Ortiz ; by his brother Jesus Chico Ortiz and sister Sylvia Ortiz.
A visitation will be held in Ajo on Saturday, September 21st from 5pm to 9pm at 401 W. Esperanza. Rosary will be recited at 8pm. Funeral service will be held the following afternoon, Sunday, September 22nd at 2pm at the First Assembly of God Church. Graveside services will follow at Darby Wells Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his parents.