Norma Ortiz

Celebrating the Life of Norma Jean Ortiz

Norma Jean Ortiz was born on September 29, 1961, in Houston, Texas, to Alfredo and Beatrice Valenzuela. She was the second oldest of eight children and grew up surrounded by a large family that would remain an important part of her life.

As a child, Norma moved with her family to Idaho, where she made the Nampa/Caldwell area her home for the rest of her life. From a young age, she knew the meaning of hard work. She worked in the fields as a young girl and later spent much of her working life in factory jobs.

Norma was the loving mother of five children: Natividad Joel Piñon Jr., Jessica Deleon, Pete Deleon Jr., Matthew Ortiz, and Juan Carlos “JC” Ortiz Jr. She shared 35 years of marriage with her husband, Juan Carlos, and was blessed with eleven grandchildren who brought even more love and joy into her life: Natividad Jr., Augustine, Malachi, Nicholas, Nico, Cecilia, Oscar, Pete, Katalaya, Serena, and Azaria. Her family continued to grow with the blessing of four great-grandchildren: Felipe, Amalia, Rose, and Andrez.

Norma was the beloved sister of Sylvia (Francisco) Zaragoza, Alexander Valenzuela, Arthur Valenzuela, Yolanda (Adan) Ortiz, Anthony Valenzuela, Barbara Valenzuela, and Monica (Nicholas) Chavez. She was also loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Norma’s greatest gift to this world was her unconditional love. She loved her family deeply and was someone they could count on for advice, encouragement, and support. She had a way of making the people she loved know that they mattered. Her faith was also an important part of her life, and she placed her trust in her Savior, Jesus Christ, which brought her strength and comfort throughout her life and during her health struggles.

She also loved music, and she loved to dance. Norma was an amazing dancer and shared that joy with her family, teaching several of them how to dance. Those memories of music, laughter, and dancing will forever be part of the legacy she leaves behind.

For many years, Norma courageously faced numerous health challenges, including undergoing a kidney transplant. Through it all, she continued fighting, especially for the children and family she loved so dearly. She wanted more time with them, but after so many years of fighting, her body had grown tired.

While vacationing in Guadalajara, Mexico, with her husband and visiting family, Norma passed away on July 14, 2026.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, Alfredo and Beatrice Valenzuela; her beloved son, Juan Carlos “JC” Ortiz Jr.; and several aunts and uncles.

Although our hearts are broken by her absence, Norma leaves behind something death cannot take away: the love she poured into her family, the lessons she shared, the music and dancing that brought her joy, and the countless memories held by everyone blessed to have known and loved her.

Her love will remain with us always.