Obituary of Edward C Ortiz

Edward C.”Ed” Ortiz, age 88, of Ransomville husband of Betty (Lasher) Ortiz died Thursday, April 16, 2020 at Buffalo General Medical Center in Buffalo, NY. Mr. Ortiz was born September 19, 1931 in Ransomville, NY, he is the son of the late Pedro and the late Doris (Chapin) Ortiz. He married Betty Lasher on November 2, 1957 and they have spent 62 years happily married. Ed served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952 until his honorable discharge in 1954 where he received the Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and the National Defense Service Medal, upon returning from his military service it was decided that they would build a racetrack behind his father’s garage in 1955 and this started his stock car driving career and they became to be known as the Ransomville Slopokes. In 1958 they built the Ransomville Speedway and Ed continued to race for the next 25 years winning over 200 features and track championships at Merrittville Speedway in 1961; Ransomville Speedway in 1962, Canandaigua 1962-1963, Lancaster Speedway 1966, Rolling Wheels Speedway 1971 as well as racing all over at tracks on the Eastern Seaboard. He retired from driving in 1981 and was inducted in the Dirt Hall of Fame in 1999. Ed took over operating his father’s garage from 1958 to 1992, he also worked for Cliff Connors Service Station and the Ransomville Bus Garage for 20 years, Ed was a man of faith, often reading the bible and was known to be a very kind and helpful person to all. He was an avid vegetable gardener and enjoyed snowmobiling. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Betty; his children Jipp (Rhonda) Ortiz of Ransomville, NY; Ronnie (John) Lippincott of Adamstown, PA and John (Melanie) Ortiz of Ransomville, NY; his brother Rick (Janice) Ortiz of Newfane, NY; his sister in laws, Vivian Ortiz and Donna Lasher also 7 grandchildren,5 great grandchildren and his dog Teko. Ed is predeceased by a sister Mary Frances Chase and brothers Douglas and Peter Ortiz. Due to current circumstances services will be held privately with Ed’s family. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Burial will be in North Ridge Cemetery, Town of Cambria. Memorials may be made to Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14304 or the Ransomville Vol Fire Co. Ambulance Fund PO Box 239 Ransomville, NY 14131. Arrangements entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOMES INC. Ransomville, NY. Please visit www.hardisonfuneralhomes.com for online registry.