Rita Ortega Lugo, 93, of Yuma, Arizona passed away peacefully on Sunday May 12, 2024 surrounded by her family. Rita was born on November 2, 1930, in Yuma to Emilia Martinez Ortega and Ramon Valenzuela Ortega.
Rita had a wonderful family life and was raised with many siblings, including seven brothers: Mike, John, Ramon, Richard, Edward, and Florencio, Marcus David (Juanita) and four sisters: Mary (died at birth), Fidelia Ramirez, Lucia Ortega and Margaret Elifritz (James). She has many nieces and nephews.
Rita married the love of her life, Jesus Ybarra Lugo, on March 3rd,1956, in Yuma, Arizona.
Rita has three daughters, Lucille Rosalie Ontiveros (Ernie), MaryHelen Vasquez (Tommy), Lydia (Patsy) Estrella (Louis) and two sons, Jesus Jr (Olga) and Ruben (Alicia); 15 grandchildren: David, Madeline, Joseph, Victoria, Louis, Christina, Tommy, Ernie Jr., Marcus, Elana, Jacob, Isaac, AnaAlicia, Jaclyn, and Christopher; 25 great-grandchildren: Daniel, Krystal, Vanessa, Candace, Christopher, Christina, Louie, David, Breann, Amy, Sonny, Jesse, Eric, Anthony, Zoe, Mateo, Gabriel, Gavin, Asya, Andrew, Isabelle, Devin, Addison, Ethan and Baby Lugo arriving in July! She also has 17 great-great-grandchildren: Olivia, Ryder, Radley, Raylee, Christina, Louie, David, Breann, David, Andrew, Layla, Aria, Audrey, Athena Sage, Paco, Laniyah, Mary, Victoria, Justin, and Gabriela.
She was a wonderful, loving Mother, Nana/Grandma, Sister and Tia.
Rita was known for her love of the color lavender as well as her love of stuffed Teddy Bears, Christmas family gatherings and Christmas villages, gardening, watching Hallmark movies, listening to music while she ironed, dancing, reading, Word Search puzzle books, and in her younger years cooking, crocheting, embroidery, and sewing. Most importantly, she always said, “I Love All My Family.”
“Nana” as most everyone knew her, was loved by everyone and will be dearly missed.
Rita’s family wishes to express Sincere Gratitude to Yuma Regional Medical Center, Unicare Hospice of Yuma and The Hansen House for their love, respect and care for our Mother.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hansen House in Yuma, Arizona.
