Amy Cass Ortega

Amy Cass Ortega, age 45, of Joplin completed her battle with cancer and won the victory of eternal life on Wednesday, October 19, 2011.  She was surrounded by her family and loved ones.       Amy was born July 17, 1966 in Lamar, Missouri to Billy Bob and Nancy (Phipps) Cass.  Amy is survived by her loving husband James Ortega of the home; daughter, Cassie Rakes and her fiancé, Brandon Gallemore, and son, Kaleb Rakes, all of Seneca, Missouri; her parents, Billy Bob & Nancy Cass, Joplin; her mother-in-law, Annie Kirkwood, Mansfield, Texas; a brother and sister-in-law, Brad & Kim Cass and nephew, Jonathan, of Kansas City Missouri; maternal grandmother, Mary Phipps, Lamar, Missouri; life-long friend, Edith Todd, Lamar; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.  Amy was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, John Phipps and paternal grandparents, Harold and Helen Cass.       Amy enjoyed horses and horseback riding.  She appreciated and had a deep love for her church, World Revival Church of Kansas City.  Her enthusiasm and passion for life was evident in the pleasure she found in artistic and creative endeavors, selling things, and her vision for marketing.  Everyone who had the honor of knowing her was touched by her fearless approach and infectious giggle.       A celebration of Amy's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 24th at Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar where the family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. Sunday.  Burial will be in Nigh Cemetery north of Lamar.       Memorial contributions are suggested to World Revival Church of Kansas City in care of Daniel Funeral Home.