Evalena ‘Lena’ Denham Ortman passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on November 27, 2018 in Ocala, Florida. Lena was born in Montgomery County, Indiana to Ernest and Stella (Dickerson) Denham. With her husband, Joseph Ned Ortman, and three daughters, she lived on the Ortman Family Farm in Kokomo, Indiana for 50 years before moving to Ocala. Lena was an active member of the First Christian Church in Kokomo and Christ Church of Marion County in Ocala. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and antiquing. She was well known for her delicious pecan pies and her willingness to share on any occasion.
She is preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Teresa Ortman VanOordt; parents; and brother, Luther.
She will be forever remembered by her daughters, Sandra Steele (Mike) Greenville, NC, Marla Hirschy (Dan) Ocala, FL; sister-in-law Betty Ortman (Kokomo); five grandchildren, Sonya (Ed) Heath, Mt Pleasant, SC, Blake VanOordt, Johns Island, SC, Derek Steele (Ceri), Greenville, NC, Drew Steele, Greenville, NC, Michael Hirschy, Chicago, IL; four great grandchildren, Weatherly and Ned Heath, Mt Pleasant, SC and Madelynn and Cole Steele, Greenville, NC. She will also be remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends.
A special thank you to The Legacy House at the Hospice of Marion County and the staff at West Marion Hospital in Ocala. Memorials may be made to the Greenville Recreation and Parks (Re: Drew Steele Center), P.O. Box 7207, Greenville, NC 27834 or Christ Church of Marion County, Road, 6768 SW 80th Street Ocala, FL 34476. A celebration of life was held at Christ Church of Marion County on November 30, 2018.