Lenora Ortuno

Mrs. Lenora Ann Ortuno (Kemnitz), aged 90, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon. Born on September 2, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lenora lived a life of faith, dedication, and service to her family, career, and community.

Lenora graduated from Sweetwater Union High School and embarked on a remarkable career in the medical field. She began as a physical therapy assistant at Paradise Valley Hospital before transitioning into medical office work as a medical assistant and transcriptionist. Her diligence and expertise led her to become the head of medical records at Bay General Hospital in Chula Vista, earning the title of Accredited Record Technician (A.R.T.). Lenora also coded medical charts for insurance companies and later served as a hospital discharge planner. Despite sometimes feeling inadequate, she excelled in every role she undertook, often receiving awards for excellence and long-term service. Her colleagues admired her dedication and professionalism throughout her career, which spanned decades until her retirement at age 70.

Faith was a cornerstone of Lenora's life. She was deeply influenced by her great-grandmother Norah Ann May ("Boboo"), who instilled in her a love for scripture and church. Lenora carried this legacy forward by actively serving in her places of worship. At First Christian Church of Chula Vista, she held leadership roles as a deaconess, elder, and chairperson of the church board. Later, at New Hope Church in Chula Vista, she founded a prayer ministry that collected written prayer requests from the congregation. Each week, Lenora and a small group of women would meet to pray over these requests and send acknowledgments to those seeking prayer. Even in her later years at Grammy Dees foster care home, she maintained a prayer journal and faithfully prayed daily for her family, other home residents and the caregivers around her.

Lenora's devotion extended to her family, whom she cherished deeply. She is survived by her oldest daughter Kathleen Andrea Byle and son-in-law Fred Byle; their daughter Katie Lauren Byle (her youngest grandchild); her youngest daughter Deborah Ann Hermach and son-in-law Tim Hermach; and their sons Benjamin Grey Hermach (her oldest grandchild) and Jonathan Lee Hermach (her middle grandchild). Lenora spent much of her life living with Kathy and Fred, where she played an active role as a hands-on grandmother to Katie.

Lenora was preceded in death by her mother Cordella Emerson Kemnitz in 1958 and her great-grandmother Norah Ann May in 1969.

Known for her petite stature and sparkling personality, Lenora brought joy to those around her. She loved music and musicals such as *The Sound of Music* and admired artists like Perry Como, Roger Williams, and Sandy Patti. Her strength was evident not only in her faith but also in her resilience—at age 80, she underwent three major surgeries to replace both knees and hips within a single year. Her doctors and physical therapists marveled at her determination to endure pain and complete rehabilitation.

Lenora's legacy is one of unwavering faith, selfless service, and enduring love for her family. She will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, healthcare professional, prayer warrior, and friend to all who knew her.

May Lenora Ann Ortuno's memory bring comfort to those who loved her dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 8, 2026, from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM at First Baptist Church 3550 Fox Meadow Road. The service will be live streamed