Cervantes, Ermandina (Erma) Cruz-Ortiz

CERVANTES - Ermandina (Erma) Cruz-Ortiz Cervantes, of Kentwood, Michigan peacefully passed away at her home surrounded by her family on January 20, 2012. Erma was born September 17, 1929 in Uvalde, Texas and graduated from Uvalde High School in 1949. Her parents—Rev. Leonardo M. Ortiz and Juanita Cruz Ortiz—traveled as migrant workers between Texas and Michigan in the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1951, she moved to Grand Rapids and attended Grand Rapids Bible College and Davenport College for Accounting. January 15, 1955, Erma married Rodolfo (Ralph) Cervantes, and they had six beautiful children together. Early on, Erma showed a strong work ethic. At only age 16, she was the first Mexican-American clerk to work at the Texas Courthouse.  Once her family relocated to Saginaw, Michigan, she worked as a clerk at the credit bureau in Saginaw, then later as a bookkeeper for Kay's Department Store. In 1965 she began her career at H&R Block as a tax preparer. She was the first bilingual representative in Grand Rapids, and she became office manager after only a few years. Eventually, Erma became self-employed preparing taxes and notary public, working out of her home and caring for her children. Once her children were grown, she worked at Blodgett Hospital as a nurse's aide, then in the admitting office. Wherever there was a need for bilingual services— whether in the hospital, at the courthouse, at the doctor’s office or tax preparation—Erma was there, serving the Hispanic community for more than 25 years. Erma was an active member of the Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana (First Hispanic Baptist Church) and a devoted Christian and servant of God. She and husband and children traveled to many churches to sing and play music. In fact, her greatest joy was watching her family play special music together at church. Erma opened her home to anyone in need, and she was always supportive and encouraging to her family. Erma is preceded in death by her parents Rev. Leonardo M. Ortiz and Juanita Cruz Ortiz and siblings Josue Ortiz, Samuel Ortiz, Elizabeth (Libby) Cervantes. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years Rodolfo (Ralph) Cervantes. Her surviving children and their spouses include Ralph Cervantes Jr. of San Diego; CA; Vicky (David) Williams of Wyoming, MI; Noemi’ (Andy) Raeside of Belmont, MI; Santiago (Kari) Cervantes of San Diego, CA; Rev. Rodolfo (Fran) Cervantes Jr. of San Diego, CA; and Juanita (Brent) Hoke of Kentwood, MI. Special Family Friends: Diane Hearing of San Diego, CA; Saulo Pat of Grandville, MI. In addition, 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, brothers Leonard and Elias Ortiz, sister Betty Cortez, and many nieces and nephews survive her.  The family would like to express a thank you to all our angels at Spectrum Hospice. Erma will be dearly missed by all. We are just a few of many whose path was made clearer by the light she carried faithfully. God has used her greatly to encourage, inspire and always remind us to keep the faith. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Funeral services will be held Saturday 12:00 PM, January, 28, 1hr. visitation prior to service at Grand Rapids International Fellowship Church 3765 Kalamazoo AVE SE Grand Rapids MI 49508. The Rev. Rodolfo Cervantes Jr. Officiating. Interment Kent Memorial Gardens. The family will receive visitors Friday, January 27, 2-4 and 7-8 with a Devotional Service 8 - 9 at Matthysse–Kuiper–DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI 49508. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heavenly Trumpet Ministries or Spectrum Hospice. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com.