Virginia ''Jenna'' Ortiz
I wish I could be there to say good bye. May the God above help us to understand, but more importantly keep you safe until we all meet again. Though you were taken from Earth at a young age, but you will not be forgotten as we ourselves age. The Class of 2004 will always remember you. You will always be with us. We will miss you dearly. Love, Betsy
Betsy Winter
Appleton
WI
In her brief stay, Jenna made a mark on the world. Not all persons can say that about themselves. She touched the lives of those who knew her with her no-nonsense style. She served in a leadership capacity and repesented those who could not represent themselves. She did this without self regard. Jenna could have moved mountains - and did. Persons like Jenna restore all faith in youth and remind me of why I teach. I am blessed for having known her so well. Thanks to the family for sharing her life with the rest of us. Mrs. Vogel Class Advisor 2004 JHS
Sue Vogel
Cedar Rapids
IA
She was a great friend! I remember sleep overs at her house or Megan's house or Karolyn's house. We all had a blast together. She was the best backer for cheerleading. She helped make Westside a positive and productive time. It's a huge loss to anyone who never knew her! My sympathies go out to all her family and especially her friends! Jenna we all love you very much!
Brooke Ellis
Cedar Rapids
IA
Even though I didn't know Jenna that well I still knew what kind of person she was. Being in choir with her I knew she had a great voice, and I know she's up in heaven now singing to all of us once more. We will miss you. Kevin
Kevin Mittan
Cedar Rapids
IA
Jenna, you are a beautiful person. You were always ready and willing to help a classmate or friend in a time of need. You are now wrapped lovingly in God's arms where you are safe. Thank you for making such an impact on our lives. We miss you. ~Stephanie
Stephanie Bell
Waverly
IA
Jenna was the type of person you always wanted to be around because she always found a way to cheer you up. I may not have known her well, but she still left a huge impact on my life. God must have needed the best angel in heaven so he called her home. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. ~Tara
Tara Lewin
Cedar Rapids
IA
Carole and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of great sorrow. I know just from working with Carole that Jenna was an exceptional child of whom her mother was very proud. I also know that Carole had alot to do with that. She is a great mother.
Kathy Frantz
Cedar Rapids
IA
Jenna seemed to be a great friend even though i did not know her that well, it seems that she had alot of friends that cared about her and love her for who she was. Jenna was a good class officer in our senior class she will be missed dearly. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Now you are safe in God' s arms. The Class of 2004 will remember you 4-ever! ~Sheena, Class of 04'
Sheena Henry
Cedar Rapids
Iowa, USA
Linn
Carole, Ben and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I only met Jenna a couple of times, but I know through Carole what a wonderful daughter, sister and friend she was. I know she touched many lives and will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences Pam Purington
Pam Purington
Linn
Jenna was a girl with a great smile. The kind of smile that could brighten your day, no matter how you felt. That's one of the reasons why I liked her, she was fun. The goodtimes we had hanging out at football games and in the classroom is too long to name... So many goodtimes. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time, aswell as your friends. We miss you. -Patrick-
Patrick Frank
Cedar Rapids
IA
My deepest sympathies and prayers for Jenna and her innumerable family and dear friends. Jenna was beautiful. She was devoted. She was talented. And I could always count on her for a smile and some kind words. It is clear she will be deeply missed, and most of all, never forgotten. "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Sarah Hinzman
Decatur
IL
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss I know how it feels to lose someone so young. My Thoughts & Prayers are with you. She's in God's Hands now God Bless You. I'm so deeply sorry once again. Psalms: 22
Avery Cassell
Cedar Rapids
IA
Jenna and I were in a few classes together, but what I remember most was playing soccer with her. We had a lot of fun talking during varsity games and such. She was always smiling and laughing. She was a great person and my prayers go out to all.
Kristi Walsh
Cedar Rapids
IA
Ortiz family...i didn't know jenna very well i did graduate with her... and she is in my prayers and jesus will take care of her...she will rest in peace...prayers for all of the ortiz family Karen Class of 2004
Karen Kent
Cedar Rapids
IA
Jenna always had and always will have a special place in my heart. I have lots of precious memories of Jenna. A particular one was this past May when she and Taryn wore matching cherry dresses just as they had many years ago when they were little girls. Yes, they looked just as cute at 18 as they did then. We will miss her very much. Even though we cannot be there with ya'll please know that you are in our hearts and prayers. Mindy & Matthew Mayes
Melinda & Matthew Mayes
Dumas
TX
Carole, My heart goes out to you and your family. I wish I could wipe away your pain. I wanted to share a poem with you. You may know it. "I'll lend you, for a little while, a child of mine," He said. For you to love while she lives, and mourn when she is dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two, or three. But will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me? She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and shall her stay be brief, you'll have her lovely memories as solace for you grief. I cannot promise she will stay as all from earth return, but there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true, and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have selected you. Now will you give her all your love - not think the labor vain, Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again. I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, thy will be done." For all the joy this child shall bring the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shower her with tenderness and love her while we may, and for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay. And should the angels call for her much sooner than we planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
Michael Potter
Marion
IA
We will miss that smile,Genna had such a sweet smile. God need another Angel. We grive for our loss, but we must remember Genna is in peace in the arms of God. You know we loved her so much,as we do all of the family. may God help us all through this.
Vernon and Velma Mayes
I'm sorry for your loss. I did not know Jenna that well, but I will always remember her with a smile on her face. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Rooney
Cedar Rapids
IA
I know that it's been awhile since I really knew Jenna...since she moved. But I've heard so many wonderful things about her and looking at all the support the family is getting and love Jenna is receiving, I know, she will truely be missed. She would have gone on to do great things in her life, but she's going to do even better things for God. I will keep you all in my prayers, I love you. ~Whit
Whitney Stevenson
Weatherford
OK
Please accept our most sincere sympathy to your family at this very difficult time. We lost our 16 year old daughter in an accident nearly 3 years ago and the pain is still deep. We found that there are no "time" limits on grief or healing. Everyone adjusts at different rates and in different ways. Remember, well wishers are always only trying to comfort you even though some words may sting. Cling to the faith of the resurrection as you endure the upcoming days, months and years. We also lost our 20 year old 18 months after our 16 died so we very keenly remember the searing pain and our hearts ache with you in your loss. Please feel free to contact us if the need be there. We, like all other parents who have suffered the loss of a child will do what we can to help. Pete and Kathy Nopoulos
Dr. & Mrs. Peter Nopoulos
Marion
IA
To all of Jenna's family; I am so sorry about the loss of your irreplacable jewel. I loved Jenna so much. What a wonderful young woman with such a future ahead of her. I pray that God will comfort you at this time as He is the only way to cope and get thru this. The memories of Jenna's sweetness, bubbly personality and beauty will never fade from those who loved her, so she will always be remembered. God bless you and I am so very sorry. Love Kathy
kathy Stevenson
Amarillo
TX
Doris and family, I just want you to know we are thinking of you. I know she was the light of your eye. You are going to miss her so much. If we can do anything for you let me know. She was such a great kid. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Julie McDaniel and family
Julie McDaniel
cedar rapids
IA
Jenna- RIP we all will miss u very much ur face smile and everything about you gone but never forgotten xoxoxoxoxoxoox
Ericka Baker
Cedar Rapids
IA
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God be with you and your family.
Billie Gilbert
Amarillo
TX
I am so sorry for your loss. I only met you all over Christmas working for Santa Plus. The few times I worked with Jenna were such fun. She always had a smile and I am glad that I had the chance to meet her. She was such a beautiful person. My prayers are with you all.
Debbie McCalmant
Cedar Rapids
IA
I graduated a year before Jenna and sat next to her all year my senior year in Concert Choir. She was the sweetest nicest girl you could meet. She is in peace with Jesus now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family and friends.
Megan Glass
Waterloo
IA
I am going to miss you very much
robbyneece
amarillo
TX
ortiz family- im sorry to hear about jenna i had classes with her at jefferson and i will always remember her as the good sweet person she was... she truely will be missed.
Jeramy Simmons
cedar rapids
IA
I havent seen Jenna since she was a little girl but I know how much she was loved by her family here in Texas. I am so sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers. May she rest in peace in Heaven and watch over her family. I know she will be missed so much and always be in the hearts of those who loved her.
Linda Comer
Amarillo
TX
i would like to say i'm sorry for the ortiz family loss. i went to school with her for almost 6 years. And never heard of her ever being anything but nice to anyone. its a shame when someone with such a bright future ahead of them gets taken from us. She'll always be remebered not as only a friend but as a excellent student and a leader of her pears. She will be greatly missed. Doug Farley
Doug Farley
cedar rapids
IA
Jenna was a very sweet girl. it is hard to believe that things like this happen to such wonderful people. She had a lot going for her she was beatiful, intellegent, and always had a smile. for the 6 years i had known her, she never let any one down. You couldnt ask for more from a 19 year old women. She someone that everyone could look up to. She has done so much in her lifetime, a lot more than people could have done in 100 years.My deepest sympathies to jenna's family
Reiny Felstead
Cedar rapids
IA
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I told mom Natalie Smith about it and she felt so bad to hear the news. With Deepest Sympathy Julie Novak and Natalie Smith
Julie Novak
Cedar Rapids
IA
To all of Jenna's family and friends. First of all you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful daughter and friend. My heart aches for what you are going through. I lost my daughter Tiffany five years ago in an auto accident also. The memory of those days are still fresh after all this time. Please know that time does help you deal with the loss a little better. It never never goes away but does seem eaiser to bear. My daughter Tiffany was 17 then and also a cheerleader. I thought about the two of them in heaven together. Please know that I am keeping you all in my prayers and hoping you find the peace in your hearts soon. God Bless you all. Tanya Heintz
Tanya Heintz
Fairfax
IA
Carole, Gerald, Dan, and all of JENNA'S family: Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beautiful family member. We pray that Jesus will give you strength to endure the grief due to the loss of Jenna, and that the Holy Spirit gives you comfort that only HE can provide through prayer. Although Jenna's acheivements were many, your real peace will come from knowing that Jenna had accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and lived her life as "a good a faithful servent" and will spend eternity with God and you will see her again. If you ever need to talk, please call. We know your "every" feeling you have, and WILL go through. Our 22 year old daughter, who was a 1999 graduate of Jefferson, also died in a car accident in 2003. God bless you all- Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 4:13, Galatians 5:22-23, Psalm 23. Dennis and Christine Sharp
Dennis Sharp
Cedar Rapids
IA
Carol, Your in my thoughts and prayers.
We love Jenna very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Steve, Jennifer, Sarah & Rachel Steinman
Jennifer Steinman
Amarillo
TX
Dear Ms. Ortiz and family, We are so very, very sorry for the loss of Jenna. I have a daughter a year older who knew Jenna and a son a year younger currently at Jefferson, however I did not know Jenna. I cannot imagine your pain but my family & I pray that God will comfort you and soon the pain will ease. In God we trust, The Seltrecht Family
Sally Seltrecht Family
Cedar Rapids
Jenna was my student her sophomore and senior years. She had a beautiful smile, a loving spirit, and a gentility that I admired. I am thinking of your family. Thank you for sharing a special young lady with us. Know that you are surrounded with love and prayers. With Deepest sympathy, Heather Feuerhelm
Heather Feuerhelm
Cedar Rapids
IA
I never really knew Jenna but she seemed like such a great person, she had so much going for her I am deeply sorry for her loss and I pray for only the best for her journey to heaven.
Christina Rolfes
Cedar Rapids
IA
Carol, I am so sorry. Words are not enough to tell you how I feel as a mother and a friend. Just know we all love Jenna she is such a special young lady We will always remember her smile, and her outgoing personality. Jenna you will truly be missed. It seems like God is getting his army of angles ready he needed you for something special. we Love you and miss you. David, Trina, Whitney, Nathan and Blake
Trina Brown
Amarillo,
TX
Virgiania is fondly remembered at Wilson School. She was a wonderful student during her middle school years. She is remembered as bright, hard working and a wonderful school citizen. Noone is surprised at her success at Jefferson High School since we saw her grand potential in middle school. The world has lost a bright and shining star. Please know that Wilson staff have you in their thoughts and prayers at this time of grieving. We consider ourselves fortunate to be people touched by the goodness of this young woman. Sincerely, Kathy Conley Principal Wilson School
Kathy Conley
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Carole & Ben, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. She was such a beautiful girl in many ways. She always had a smile on her face and was good to everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. God Bless your family! Tammi & Laurel
Tammi & Laurel Jones
Cedar Rapids
IA
In loving memory of Jenna Ortiz. I graduated with Jenna last may, and i will always remember that she always had a smile on her face and was a kind, considerate person. I will truly miss her, but i also know that she is with God now and at rest. God bless you Jenna.
Zach Sherman
Cedar Rapids
IA
To all of Jenna's family and friends~ Jenna was a beautiful person. She was always smiling and knew how to brighten someones day. I didnt know her very well but after spending 4 years seeing her in the halls and with friends...i know she will be greatly missed and i pray for everyone that knew her. She will always be in my heart and thoughts. I know she is looking down on all of us smiling on all the thoughts we have of her. Love, Kristi
Kristi Ward
Cedar Rapids
IA
Carole and Family, I sit here not really knowing what to write. I rarely catch the news but tonight I heard Virginias' name on an update. I remember meeting her as a little girl in your mom's house when you came back for a visit and our class reunion. We spoke briefly a few summers ago when you moved back to Iowa at a garage sale. We talked of getting together but never quite seemed to reconnect. We were busy trying to get through the harried times of life. I feel much sadness for you and your family. There are no words to express the shock I feel and I wonder how you are. I have thought of you often, the good times of our youth. I must admit I am lousy at writing condolences. I think because there really isn't much to say in times like these. I trust you know that you are in my prayers and I wish I had words to say that would help the things that only time can heal. Sometimes just knowing there are people around you in spirit helps. I feel that God has a very special plan for Virginia, something to wonderful to even comprehend. After having been a paramedic for several years I can tell you that the human touch has meant the most. So I will send you many warm hugs, and know I am thinking of you. Becky
Becky Stensland Beason
Ely
IA
Sincere condolences & prayers are with you all daily.............What a BEAUTIFUl, outgoing young lady...........Keep the good in your hearts & that will keep her smiling!!!!!!!!!
Jennifer Gerber
Dumas
TX
I didn't know Jenna all that well, but enough to know what a kind hearted person she was. My heart goes out to all of her close friends and her family, I continue to pray for you all. Love, Krystin Garman
Krystin Garman
Cedar Falls
IA
I know this is a hard time for all of you, but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jenna was a wonderful, beautiful person with a good heart, she will be very missed by everyone. If there is anything I can do at all for you let me know. Again, your in my prayers. Love Sarah
Sarah Steinman
Weatherford
OK
Although I did not know her very well, I enjoyed seeing her bright smile every day at Choir. I graduated a year ahead Jenna, but she always brought a smile to everyone's face. May God help you through this terrible time. You and your family are in my prayers.
Brittany Barger
Cedar Rapids
IA
Carole, Ben and family: It's been a long while since we talked, I am saddened to hear of your loss. Jenna was a very special young woman. You are in my thoughts. If there is anything I can do for you Carole, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Craig Allen
Hiawatha
IA
The story in the Gazette on your daughter's passing was really heartbreaking, even though I have never met her. My sincere condolences. I have traveled that highway hundreds of times since I was very young--having relatives in Ames, and then going to college there too. best wishes always. Mike A ISU '90
Mike A
Marion
IA
I miss her face. I miss her smile. I miss the great memories we had together. Your voice was adorable. I wish I could hear it again. If I knew then what I know now. I'm a different man and I'm sure you'd be a different woman. Your leadership and life lessons live on. Thank you Jenna and her family for the great memories and welcoming me into your family. Gone but not forgotten. You and me, that's forever, like I always said.