Camerina "Carmen" Ortiz Ayala

Camerina “Carmen” Ortiz Ayala, 94, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Lexington Park Health and Rehab. 

She was born August 21, 1930, in Topeka, the daughter of Jose Jesus Arreguin and Maria Ortiz Arreguin.

Camerina grew up in Topeka and attended Hayden High School through her junior year. She later earned her GED.

She enjoyed yardwork, gardening, cooking, babysitting, and helping raise her grandchildren. Camerina was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. She was a member of the Altar Society and volunteered every year at the Fiesta. When her children were in school she was the President of the PTO.

Camerina retired from Stormont Vail Health in the Radiology Department. She also worked at the La Siesta Mexican Restaurant in Oakland.

She married Raymond G. Ayala, on February 20, 1954, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. They celebrated 60 years together before Raymond’s passing in 2014.

Survivors include sons, Raymond Ayala and wife Tammi of Topeka, and Michael Ayala of Topeka; daughter, Annette Ayala-McElroy of Topeka; sister, Connie Padilla of Kansas City; 6 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.

Camerina was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, David Ortiz Arreguin, Jose Guadalupe Arreguin, Rose Blanco, Florence Rodriguez, Joaquina Ortiz, Eustacio Arreguin; grandson, Matthew McElroy; and great granddaughter, Elise McElroy.

A visitation with the family will be from 4:00-7:00pm, Sunday, November 10, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home with a rosary prayed at 6:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am, Monday, November 11, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Topeka.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603.