Alicia Orta Blanchard, 79, Orange

Alicia Orta Blanchard, 79, of Orange, Texas, passed away on July 1, 2024, peacefully at home. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, July 5, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be the Rev. Antony Paulose. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Orange.

Visitation will begin prior to the service at 9 a.m., Friday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, with a Rosary to begin at 10:00 a.m.

Born in Orange, Texas, on March 12, 1945, she was the daughter of Martin M. Orta and Carmen (Fernadez) Orta. Alicia will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Having dedicated 20 years of her life to Brown Aid Center before retirement, Alicia made a lasting impact not only through career but also through her warm and caring personality. Remembered fondly for always keeping in touch with her family and ensuring everyone felt special and cared for, she truly embodied the role of matriarch with her sweet spirit. Alicia's love for flowers and gardening brought beauty to the world around her, while her talent for baking brought joy to those lucky enough to taste her creations. She found solace and strength in her faith as a devout Catholic and as a proud member of St. Mary Catholic Church. Although she may no longer be present with us physically, Alicia's legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Carmen Orta; daughter, Tammy Gist; and siblings, Felix Orta, Rosita Reid, Beatrice Chesson, Martin Orta, Peter Orta, and Carmen Huckaby.

She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Elvin Blanchard. She is also survived by her siblings, Raul Orta, Mary Grimes, Alejandro Orta, and Bobby Orta; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bobby Orta, Jr., Benjamin Orta, Dallas Wayne Orta, Jimmy Johnny Grimes, Jr., Derrick Bufford, and James Grimes. Honorary Pallbearers will be James Wilkerson, Lynn Buker, Ryan Bell, Jason Ayers, Jeff Koob, Nickolas Ayers, Cruz Orta, Matthew Buker, Mike Cheeson, and Cody DeRoche.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary Catholic School at 2600 Bob Hall Rd, Orange, Texas 77630.