Aurora Uriegas Oetting

Born and raised in San Antonio, Aurora grew up in the Woodlawn Lake area, attending mass and catechism at Little Flower Basilica then graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1968. Shortly after graduation, she entered into employment with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWBT) and began her over 30-year career.

Her first marriage to Air Force pilot Lynn Overdeer led to several transfers: Lubbock, Little Rock and St. Louis. Divorced in February 1983, she began dating another career SWBT employee, Ron Oetting. On April 21, 1984, she married the “love of her life” and entered into a relationship that lasted over 37 years.

While in St. Louis, a very active lifestyle was maintained. A new home was built in 1985, new job assignments were managed and social activities with numerous new friends, neighbors and co-workers were enjoyed. Surprisingly, in the fall of 1992, SBC Communications announced a move of the Corporate Headquarters to San Antonio! New jobs were secured; Aurora and Ron moved to San Antonio in March 1993.

A new home was built in Sonterra, the country club was joined, and demanding job assignments were embraced. Family traditions were initiated with Christmas, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving dinners. In the fall of 2000, Aurora and Ron graciously accepted an incentive retirement package, and retired on the same day November 15, 2000.

Retirement activities started cautiously: visits to the fitness center and lots of golf. As comfort levels increased, we discovered that our faith increased as well. We joined Concordia Lutheran and became more adventuresome! God’s blessings continued as we enjoyed 16 cruises during retirement, almost all with friends and family. Awesome voyages to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltics, Hawaii, Alaska and our last one to the Greek Isles. Of course, there were challenges along the way too: Ron’s cancer in 2008 and Aurora’s mom’s health issues. Her suffering with dementia created the need for lots of care. The last few years of her life were difficult prior to passing away in January 2018.

Nothing however, prepared us for the devastating news of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Aurora received the confirming diagnosis in January of 2020, only two short years after her mother’s passing and only a couple of months before the COVID pandemic.

Described medically as an “aggressive onset” she quickly lost mobility. By summer the ability to speak audibly and swallow was gone. In August a feeding tube was required to maintain nutrition. Thankfully there was no loss in cognitive skills, faith was strengthened, and she endured with dignity and grace. Always smiling, she was an inspiring and courageous person to the very end.

Aurora was often described as a “people person.” Energetic but never putting herself above others. Throughout her life she remained loyal to her God, her husband, her family and friends. Standing up for what was right, generous but not enabling, complimentary not condescending. Qualities of life we should all try to emulate. A life well lived.

Aurora was preceded in death by her parents, Santos and Maria Uriegas (Amesquita) and her brother, Santos. She is survived by her husband, Ron; brother, Ernesto Uriegas (Janie); sister, Connie Ozuna (Danny); numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Porter Loring North.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2021

VISITATION 10:00 A.M.

SERVICE 11:00 A.M.

CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH

16801 HUEBNER ROAD

Pastor Bill Tucker will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Aurora Oetting may be made to ALS Association or Concordia Lutheran.