Aura Elena (Ortiz) Chetkovich, 88, passed peacefully from this life at her home in Oklahoma City, OK on January 19, 2026. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes.

Aura was born on November 15, 1937, in Diriamba, Nicaragua to parents Pablo Cerna and Juliana Ortiz. At the age of 18 she came to the United States, settling in San Francisco, CA. She worked for a time as a live-in nanny before meeting her future husband while out dancing one evening. Aura married Delon Chetkovich and together they moved to Orange County, CA to begin their life together. Aura opened a daycare and operated it for over 30 years. After her husband's passing, Aura moved to Oklahoma in 2018 to be near her daughters.

Aura touched the lives of thousands of children in the Orange County area caring for them in their early years. She was blessed to become a mother to 4 children, grandmother to 12 grandchildren, and great grandmother to 2 great grandchildren. Aura never missed a birthday and was always ready to celebrate each holiday with her family. She will be remembered for her funny jokes, and spunky spirit.

She was preceded in death by her husband Delon Chetkovich, and one son, Dean Chetkovich.

Aura is survived by her children, Jesica and husband Marc Boulanger of OKC, OK, Julia and husband Chris Hornbeck of OKC, OK, and Laura Chetkovich of Lake Havasu, AZ; 12 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Chapel of Vondel Smith Mortuary at South Lakes, 4000 SW 119th St. OKC, OK 73173.