FELIPA ORTIZ, 85, of Lake Station, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2012. Felipa was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico to Gregorio and Ambrosia Cruz. She moved from Puerto Rico in 1946 and was a longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Church and the Altar and Rosary Sodality. Felipa was extremely caring and completely devoted to her family and caring for others. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

She is survived by her 4 daughters, Felipa Ortiz of Lake Station, Miriam (Alfredo) Rodriguez of Lake Station, Sonia (James M.) Hill of Gary, Irma (Edwin) Ortiz of Bronx, NY; 1 son-in-law, Peter Rivera; grandchildren, Michael A. Ortiz, Marcelino (Candice) Lopez, Christina Ortiz, Angel (Laura) Lopez, Melissa (Juneo) Liggin, Yvette (Pedro) Torres; great grandchildren, Elisa, Anthony, Alex Liggin, Sean & Sara Lopez; special nephews, Mr. & Mrs. Pedro Cruz and Mr. & Mrs. Julio Cruz; many nieces and nephews and other loving family and friends.

Felipa was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Marcelino; daughter, Luz Maria Rivera; granddaughter, Michelle Rivera; brothers, Pedro Cruz Ramos, Julio Ramos, Cesario Ramos, Pablo Cruz Ramos, and Frank Cruz Ramos.

Funeral services for Felipa will be Wednesday, March 28, 2012 beginning with prayers at 9:15 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel and going in procession to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2447 Putnam, Lake Station for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Cremation will follow the services. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 27, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. Prayer Service at Rees Funeral Homes, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, IN. For information please call (219) 942-2109 or go online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.