Blanche Ortiz, 96, of Galveston, passed away Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at the Meridian. She was born March, 31, 1920 in Nava, Mexico.

Along with her late husband, Frank, Blanche was co-owner of Ortiz Tailors. Blanche was an incredibly compassionate, caring and kind person. She was the matriarch of the family and the “Queen Bee.” Blanche had a strong Christian faith, she loved life, and never gave up even after she suffered a stroke.

Blanche is preceded in death by her parents, Maria and Ernesto Garza; her husband, Frank Ortiz; her sisters, Olga Vasquez and Minerva Medina; her brothers, Roger, Arthur, and Ernest Garza; and her brothers-in-law, Honerato Medina and Gene Nelson.

She is survived by her sister, Aurora Nelson; brother-in-law, Charles Vasquez; sister-in-law, Gloria Garza; and nieces and nephews, Sherry and Leo Mencacci, Skip and Janet Medina, Bobby and Pam Medina, Adele and Bob Wallace, Liz and Greg Imhoff, Steve and Amy Garza, Jeff and Kris Garza, Susan and Russ Ware, Sandy and Ken Ely, Kenneth and Paula Garza, Brian Garza; and 19 great nieces and nephews, and two great, great nephews.

Pallbearers are Leo Mencacci, Steve Garza, Jeff Garza, Brian Garza, Kenneth Garza, Russ Ware, Skip Medina, and Bobby Medina. Honorary pallbearers are Bob Wallace, Greg Imhoff and Ken Ely.

The family will receive visitors at 10 am Monday, September 26, 2016 at Malloy and Son Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 11 am Monday, September 26, 2016 at Malloy and Son Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Lydia Navarro for her kindness and the compassionate care she extended to Blanche during her special time of need.