Velia Marie Gonzales, 68, of Austin passed away December 22, 2022. It is with much sadness in our hearts that we lay our beloved sister, Velia, to rest. She was born November 9, 1954 in Austin, Texas. She moved to San Antonio to exercise her independence. Even though Velia found baking and cooking challenging, she made great strides in building a career working for Xerox. After years of advancements in her career, she returned to Austin to be with her family.

Velia is preceded in death by her parents, Joe Garcia Ortiz and Maryalice Puentes Ortiz; her sisters, Judy "Yolanda" Gobellan and Teresa Ortiz; and her brother, Martin Ortiz.

She is survived by her brothers Joe Ortiz, Jr. and his wife, Natalie, and Edward Ortiz; her sister, Linda "Jerri" Ortiz Benavides and her husband, Cruz, Jr.; 8 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews.

Velia was deeply loved by her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Harrell Funeral Home of Austin. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Assumption Cemetery, Austin, Texas.