Oralia P. Ortega was born on December 2, 1931 in Los Herreras, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to Gilberto and Guadalupe Perez. She passed away on October 24, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, hard work, and unconditional love. From an early age, Oralia enjoyed school and was determined to earn the highest grades in her class. She took pride in her education and felt disappointed whenever she did not achieve the grades she hoped for. Her determination and strong work ethic remained defining qualities throughout her life. At the age of 16, Oralia met her husband, Manuel, after immigrating from Mexico to McAllen, Texas. Together with Manuel's family and her own, they traveled throughout the country working as migrant farmworkers. A few years later they married on December 31, 1951. Oralia and Manuel settled in Amarillo, Texas, where they continued to work hard to build a life together. Their love and devotion to one another eventually blessed them with nine children. Oralia was a devoted mother who wanted to give her children every opportunity to succeed. She was determined to learning English so she could help her children with their schoolwork and communicate with their teachers and doctors. Her perseverance reflected her deep love for her children and her unwavering desire to support them in every way possible. One of Oralia's proudest accomplishments was becoming a United States of America citizen in June 1982. This achievement represented years of hard work, determination, and dedication to building a better life for herself and her family.
Oralia was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith. She prayed the Rosary every day and never missed Saturday Mass. She was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where she participated in the Alter Society and choir and served as Eucharistic Minister. Her faith was a guiding presence throughout her life and shaped the way she cared for and served others. Oralia was a gifted seamstress who lovingly made clothing for all her daughters to wear to school, church and special occasions. She also enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, and knitting, expressing her creativity and love through the many beautiful things she made. One of her most treasured traditions was making baby blankets for each of her grandchildren when they were born. These handmade gifts were lasting expressions of her love and remain cherished reminders of her thoughtful heart. Her family will also deeply miss was her wonderful cooking. Oralia prepared many authentic Mexican dishes that were uniquely her own. Her meals brought family together, and the flavors, traditions, and memories she created around the table will always hold a special place in the hearts of those she loved. Oralia enjoyed going to play Bingo with her husband, visiting casinos, and playing loteria with her family. She also loved watching game shows and soap operas on television. One of her favorite traditions was going shopping on Saturdays with her daughters and enjoying lunch together. These simple but meaningful moments brought her happiness and created memories her family will treasure forever. Oralia was a sweet, caring, and loving woman who lived her life with a true servant's heart. She believed in putting others before herself and treated those around her with kindness, compassion, and generosity. She lived with humility and a selfless spirit, always ready to offer her love and support. Her life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and devotion to family. From her early years in Mexico to the life she built in Texas, Oralia faced challenges with strength and determination while remaining deeply committed to those she loved. Her gentle heart, unwavering love, and willingness to serve others will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her. Through the family she raised, the traditions she passed down, the meals she lovingly prepared, the handmade gifts she created, and the faith she lived each day, Oralia leaves behind a legacy that will continue through generations. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of her family forever.
Oralia is survived by her three sons: Juan Ortega of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Jose Ortega and his wife, Donna, of Lubbock, Texas; and Paul Ortega and his wife, Laurie, of Amarillo, Texas. She is also survived by her five daughters: Maria Lair and her husband, Jon, of Canyon, Texas; Alma Lomeli of Amarillo, Texas; Rosa Valverde and her husband, Frank, of Canyon, Texas; Teresa Harris and her husband, Sam, of Amarillo, Texas; and Nona Briseno and her husband, Mark, of Amarillo, Texas. She is survived by her brother, Gilberto Perez of McAllen, Texas; her sisters, Amalia Zepeda of San Antonio, Texas and Irma Hernandez of McAllen, Texas. Oralia's loving legacy continues through her 23 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy and meaning to her life.
Oralia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Manuel H.
Ortega; her daughter, Gloria Rodriguez; her parents, Gilberto and Guadalupe Perez; her brother, Hector Perez; her sisters Olga P. Torres and Linda P. Quintanilla; her grandson, Salomon Valverde; her great-grandson, Izak Lomeli; and son-in-law, Raul Lomeli.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Jasmine for taking care of our sweet Mom.
