Sophia Ann Ortiz, a beacon of laughter and love, took her final bow on February 12, 2025, in Wyoming, MI, leaving behind a legacy of joy and an abundance of cherished memories. Born on a chilly day in Nirvana, MI, on January 28, 1945, Sophia's life was anything but cold. Her sudden departure from this world has left a void that could only be filled by her infectious giggle and the stories that she so generously shared.

She was preceded in her journey by a cast of characters that included her parents, Anna K. May and Stephan G. Komar, her step-father, Henry May, and her band of brothers, George S. Komar, Joseph Kutchinski, Wayne Warner & Ted May. Not to mention her great-nephew, Eric Spitler, who surely greeted her with a cosmic high-five.

Her heart was a wellspring of love for her husband, Edwin Ortiz, who she often referred to as her personal rock star. Together, they danced through life's ups and downs, with Sophia always front-row at Edwin's live gigs, cheering the loudest and possibly requesting too many encores.

Sophia's daughters, Angi (Joe) Burke, Natalie (Jimmy) VanDrunen, and Rachael Castallante, were the apples of her eye, and she never missed an opportunity to boast about them, whether they were winning at life or just successfully adulting for the day. Sophia's stepsons, Edwin P. Ortiz and Jasin (Aziza) Ortiz, added more notes to the symphony of her life.

Nana Sophia, as she was affectionately known, was the architect of adventures for her grandchildren, Quinten, Joey, Gianna, Jaslyn, Isabella, Emerald, Caleb, Olivia & Xavier. They were the punchlines to the jokes of her life, each bringing a unique burst of laughter and joy to her world. Each grandchild was sure they were her favorite, and they were all right.

Sophia's sisters, Stephany Kutchinski, Stella Warner, Josephine Smith, Anna Files, Kathleen (Ron) May-Mazza and her brothers, Phillip Komar and James May, knew her as the family's unofficial comedian. They will miss her ability to turn family gatherings into laugh-fests. Sophia's absence will be felt deeply, but her ability to make everyone around her smile will live on.

Sophia was a master of many trades, having studied cosmetology at Chic University, where she learned the art of making others look as fabulous as she felt. She also dabbled in Art & Design at Jordan College, which explained her impeccable taste and why her garden always looked like it was ready for its close-up.

Known for her loving nature, Sophia was also the definition of funny. She could turn a trip to the grocery store into a comedy sketch and had the kind of laugh that was more infectious than the common cold. Her generosity knew no bounds; she was the type who would give you the shirt off her back, and then make a joke about how it looked better on you anyway.

Sophia's interests were as colorful as her personality. She had a green thumb that could make a plastic plant bloom, and her garden was a testament to her nurturing spirit. Her love for Judge Judy was no secret, while her laughter would echo through the house as she reveled in the no- nonsense rulings, a testament to her own straightforward, tell-it-like-it-is attitude.

Sophia's legacy is not just in the lives she touched, but in the laughter she left behind. Her stories, her jokes, and her unwavering ability to see the bright side will continue to echo in the hearts of those who loved her. She was a one-woman show that could never be replicated, and while the curtain may have closed on her time here with us, the encore of her memory will play on forever.

So, here's to Sophia, the woman who taught us that life is better when you're laughing, that generosity is a currency more valuable than gold, and that love is the greatest legacy one can leave. May her garden in the hereafter be ever-blooming, and may the angels be prepared for some truly divine comedy.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February, 23rd from 2pm to 6pm at American Legion Neal E. Fonger Post 179, 2327 Wilson Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.