Ben Ortiz

Ben Ortiz passed quietly at his home on January 23, 2026, at the age of 89, after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children. He is survived by his wife, Jane Ortiz; his sons, Geoffrey Ortiz and Gregory Ortiz; his daughters, Valarie Newell and Karen Hydeman; his grandchildren, Tiffany Stephens, Jeremy Hydeman, Zachary Newell and Nicholas Ortiz; his great-grandchild, Kellan Stephens; his siblings Leonard Cruz, Martha Gomez and Ralphie Castaneda. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon Ortiz and Sarah Ortiz, his son, Geremy Ortiz; and his siblings, Manuel Ortiz, Robert Ortiz, Alice Ynclan, Ramona Ruiz, and Margaret Chavez. Born in Tulare, California, Ben proudly served in the United States Air Force before beginning a 14-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department. He retired as a Detective Sergeant and later founded his own private investigation business, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Agency, with offices in Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Honolulu, Hawaii. Ben pursued higher education extensively, earning Doctorate and Master degrees in Public Administration, Psychology, Education, and Law from Mt. San Antonio College, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Oregon State University, Baruch College, and the University of Massachusetts. He served as a law enforcement instructor at College of the Sequoias, taught English as a Second Language, and was a California Hunter Safety Instructor. He also worked as an administrator for Mariposa County, Arizona. He was a commercial pilot, certified to fly single- and twin-engine aircraft. He had a passion for travel, loved the outdoors, and was deeply committed to public service. He volunteered and campaigned for several political leaders, including President Ronald Reagan, and was a member of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Task Force. A true patriot, Ben had an unwavering love for his country and a deep devotion to his family. He was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed. Viewing will be held 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 AM. A military burial service will follow at 1:00 PM at Visalia Cemetery, with a reception at 2:00 PM at the Visalia Veteran's Memorial Building. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Ben Ortiz

July 20, 1936 - January 23, 2026