Nita was born on December 22, 1931, in North Bend, Oregon to Molly Virgina "Jenny" and Benjamin Lewis Combs.

Nita graduated from North Bend High School, the class of 1950. She met Desiderio "Dick" Ortiz, and they later married on April 27, 1951. They were together for 55 years when Dick preceded her in death on April 15, 2006. Together they had many memories and adventures but once their children were raised, the real adventures began. After selling their first home that they built from the ground up and raised their family in, they began buying, selling, finishing, repairing and completing homes and yards all over the west. These home adventures took them to Pendelton, Oregon – Layton, Utah – Willard, Utah – Eugene, Oregon – Milton Freewater, Oregon – Cottonwood, Arizona – Walla Walla, Washington – Emmett, Idaho. After Dick passed, Nita moved to Junction City, Oregon – Ogden, Utah – Farr West, Utah and finally, Kaysville, Utah.

Nita was preceded in death by her husband Dick, her parents Jenny & Benjamin, her sisters, Grace, Jewel, Irma, Dorthea and Lucy. As well as 2 brothers who passed as babies.

She is survived by her 3 children, Mike (Jeanie), Layton, Utah, Larry (Tricia), Denver, North Carolina, and Kristine Waters, Rochester, Washington, 6 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren and an endless number of nieces, nephews and friends.

Inurnment will be held at Leavitt's Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.