Ronald Simon Ortego

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Eliska Cunningham Ortego; son, Kent Ortego and wife Karen; daughter, Alison Schenfeld and husband Steve; son, Toliver Ortego and wife Darlene; seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Mary Ortego Samaha; brother, Jerry Benton; sister, Phyllis Benton Garret and sister, Judy Benton Jones and husband Carl.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Esco Benton, Sr.; sister, Joan Ortego Lyons; brother, Esco Benton, Jr.; sister-in-law, Lillian Benton and brother-in-law, M.J. Samaha.

Ronnie was born On January 23, 1934 in Algiers, La. He lived in various locations in Louisiana including Houma and Lake Charles.

Ronnie married Eliska Cunningham in 1955. They were married in Houma, LA at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

Ronnie was a veteran, serving in the Louisiana National Guard and the U.S. Navy for a combined total of seven years. He served two years on active duty as a Fireman 1st Class aboard the USS Oberon T-AKA-14.

Ronnie spent his working career in the oil industry. He worked for Penrod Drilling and Bay Drilling Company in positions from roughneck to tool pusher. In 1968 Ronnie joined his family's business, Benton Casing Service Inc. in Houma LA. Benton Casing expanded in Southern Louisiana and Texas. Ronnie was an owner and officer of Benton Casing.

Ronnie enjoyed 'building, fixing and engineering anything. He was a master at everything from mechanics to carpentry; from sausage making to cooking great gumbo. Ronnie was a devoted and loving husband of 59 years to Eliska. He was Daddy and Superman to his children, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren will miss Grandpa.

The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to all of their extended family and friends for their prayers and support. They would also like to thank Dr. David Heinen and the staff at Christus St. Patrick Medical Group, the staff at Carmichael's, the staff of Memorial Hermann Imaging Centers, and Dr. Robert Amato and the staff at UT Physicians.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 1pm on October 23, 2014 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 11am until the time of service at 1pm at the church. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.mem.com.