Maria “Kita” Louisa Soto

Maria “Kita” Louisa Soto (née Ortiz) 57, of Lorain, a beloved mother, friend, wife, grandmother and so much more, passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021, in Elyria, Ohio.

Maria was born November 10, 1964 in Lorain to her loving parents Ruben Ortiz and Maria “Maro” Ortiz. She was born and raised in Lorain, attending Southview High School, graduating class of 1983. She loved working as a bus driver for 27 years for First Student in Elyria, and loved to see her students’ smiling faces every day. She also worked as a booster mom for several organizations at Southview High to support her daughters, and the students lovingly knew her as “Big Mama.” Maria was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Chapel for the entirety of her life. Maria is known for her love of giraffes, hosting family gettogethers, traveling to the beach, and baking her famous pumpkin roll.

She is survived by her husband, Henry Soto, whom she was married to for 17 years. The pair were married July 16, 2005 in Lorain and they were inseparable since the day they got together. Maria and Henry were prime examples of unconditional love and devotion, and never stopped holding each other’s hands.

Maria is also survived by her daughters, Theresa Mauck and Michelle Brown. She was the most supportive mom a person could ask for — attending every cheerleading event, being at the front of any school function, and being there for her girls through everything. She was also a devoted

grandmother to Lianna Navarro, Joziah Morris and Carson Brown.

Maria was one out of thirteen children. She is survived by her siblings: Jose Ortiz, Tony Ortiz, Elizabeth “Chela” Ortiz Santos, Juan Ortiz, Rosie Ortiz, Sammy Ortiz, Tom Ortiz, Harold Ortiz, Paul Ortiz, Felisita Ortiz Armitage, Ciprian “Cippy” Ortiz; as well as over 30 nieces and nephews.

Maria will be remembered for knowing everyone’s birthdays and opening her door to anyone.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Ruben Ortiz and Maria “Maro” Ortiz; as well as her sister/best friend, Carmen Gutierrez; and her niece, Melissa Ortiz Bebbington.

Maria’s family will receive family and friends at Sacred Heart Chapel, 4301 Pearl Ave, Lorain, on Tuesday, December 28 from 4 to 8 PM., were Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday, December 29 at 9:30 AM., with the burial following at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. Face masks are required.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Sacred Heart Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain, Ohio 44055, (440) 2778164. For expressions of sympathy and further information, please visit Reidyfuneral.com.