Gina Rae Ortivez Haviland

Gina Rae Ortivez Haviland, was called home to rejoin her heavenly family, as she got her angel wings Wednesday, November 23, 2022. She peacefully passed away in her sleep at home unexpectedly. She was 60 years old. Gina’s favorite names were “Mom”, “Gg”, and “Grandma”.

Gina was born on November 9, 1962, in Billings, MT.  to Virginia, and Ernest Ortivez. She graduated from Shepard High school, and attended college in Seattle, Washington. She came to Lake Charles on spring break in 1982 and fell in love with the culture and people, deciding to make it her forever home.

Gina was an exceptional wife, mother, sister, and friend. Gina was a compassionate soul whose passion was caring for others. She leaves a legacy of love for all that knew her. Despite her health struggles, she always provided unconditional love and lived a life of integrity. 

Gina was a proud mother of two children Trevor and Shayla, which she considered her greatest accomplishments. She always said their births were the best moments of her life. All that ever mattered to Gina was their health and happiness. Gina had five grandchildren that she absolutely adored. Her love for her grandchildren was obvious as she proudly bragged about them daily. Her favorite time of the day was when she got to see or talk to them. Her cherished grandchildren gave her no choice but to learn how to Facetime and use Snapchat filters, which she did reluctantly. Her children and grandchildren were her true source of joy in her life.

She loved spending time with her family and friends. Gina looked forward to phone calls with each of her family members in Montana and keeping up to date with their lives. She had a passion for cooking and her specialty was Mexican dishes and baking with her grandchildren. She took pride in decorating her home with her handmade arts and crafts. She had a knack for restoring old things. She loved horticulture and had a green thumb. She enjoyed being outside and enjoying the sunshine while she repotted her plants, painted her latest craft, or as she repaired and repainted the same sentimental bird house for the 5^thtime. 

Gina never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into her home. She had an infectious laugh that will be truly missed. She was feisty, quick witted and the life of the party. She was a hard worker and a jack of all trades. She spent many years as a mixologist. Gina’s favorite job was raising her children. She was also famous for her medical field contributions by allowing permission for her unique health history to be used in medical textbook for future medical provider education. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 37 years, Mike Haviland of Lake Charles; children, Treavor Haviland (Alexis) of Pineville; Shayla Haviland and Scott Crochet of Kinder and grandchildren, Morgan Haviland, and Korhi, Kelbi, Kash, and Kenna Crochet. Siblings, Julian and Levi Ortivez both of Montana.  She also leaves behind children at heart, Lindsay Hansen and Jason Ortivez both of Montana.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia, and Ernest Ortivez; child at heart, Jordan Ortivez; and her in laws, Carolyn and Lloyd Haviland.

Her family grieves her loss but take comfort knowing that Gina has been reunited with her heavenly family, that she dearly longed for.

A celebration of Gina’s life ceremony will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel.  Rev. Tony Bourque will officiate.  A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9:00 AM until the start of the service. Her ashes will be spread at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you pay it forward by showing love and kindness, spending quality time with your loved ones, and hugging them a little longer this holiday season.