Prudencio was the third of 15 children; the first boy born to Francisco and Julia Chavez Ortiz. He was born in what is now known as Rancho Cucamonga, California. The family settled in Gilroy. Prudencio attended local schools and worked in the fields with his siblings. He proudly served his country in World War II. He married the love of his life, Mary Pilar Mesa, in 1946. They shared many years together, raising their five children until her passing in 1987. Prudencio was a civil servant employed by the federal government, where he was a supervisor for roads and maintenance. He retired after 30 years and it amused him that he received his pension for more years than he worked.

Among his many accomplishments, Prudencio was a Reserve Officer with the City of Gilroy and a volunteer at St. Joseph's Family Center. He dedicated his later years to fitness and weightlifting. At age 72, he was recognized for leg pressing 900 pounds. He loved spending time with family, listening to Marachi music, and yelling, "Gritos."

In 2000, he married Doris Davis. Together, they traveled around the Western United States and Canada. Prudencio enjoyed numerous trips on Highway 395, the Sierra Crest, and Death Valley. He loved taking day trips to the mountains and the sea.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Pilar Ortiz; siblings, Margarita, Frank, Oscar, and Floyd Ortiz, Nellie Adams, Virginia Wisenbeck, Helen Price, Mary Martinez, and Tillie Ortega; and stepson, David Hernandez.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Davis-Ortiz; stepchildren, Steven Hernandez, Karen (Argel) Avila, Brenda (Dave) Harlen; grandchildren, Steven, Klarissa, David Jr., Michael, and Stephanie Hernandez, Allison and Jennifer Avila, Elizabeth (Michael) Felber, Matthew (Ashley), and Daniel Harlen; great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Ariana, Alexander, Mia, Alonnah, and Aniya; brother-in-laws, Dave (Wilia) and Joe (Jennifer) Davis; and sister-in-law, Angela (Jack) Collins.

Prudencio loved and was loved by his daughters, Yolanda (Richard) Oviedo, Yvonne (Edward) Montez, and Theresa (James) Marquez; his sons, Robert (Rosie) and Victor (Olga) Ortiz; his grandchildren, Richard V. (Blanca) Oviedo, Yolanda C. Oviedo, Michael John Montez (Nancy Marshall), Esteban Prudencio Montez (Kathryn Pagnella), Natalie Rose (Michael) Ortiz-Watt, Tiana J. and Jamie C. Marquez; great-grandchildren, Niko, Issac, Elysia, Marcus, and Luciano Oviedo, Mateo Carlo and Francesca Pilar Montez, Dominick Marquez; plus great-great grandchild, Niko Oviedo Jr.

He leaves behind brothers, Felix, Raymond, Louie and Freddie Ortiz and sister, Carmen Colson.

He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 4pm at the Kingdom Hall located at 8530 Forest Street, Gilroy, CA 95020.