Regina Whiteaker

Regina (Gina) Ortega Whiteaker, 91 years if age, beloved mother, grand mother, g-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed peacefully, and went to heaven on October 25, 2024. She was born on September 20 1933 in Holbrook, Arizona to Isadora (Dora) Garcia and Tomas Ortega Sr. Gina was raised and spent most of her life in Arizona, except several years in Golden, Colorado. Gina was married to Ted Gallegos, Ray Padia and Johnny Whiteaker, all deceased.

She was one of four girls who was raised in Holbrook by their commercial Sheep rancher and businessman father and mother. She attended schools in Holbrook, and waitressed at what is now called the historical restaurants of Holbrook. She then moved to Golden, Colorado in 1962 because her spouse Ray worked and retired with the Coors Beer Company.

After moving back to her home state, Gina worked for Ortega Indian Arts in Scottsdale and in Paradise Valley. She loved to work and meet new people. Others gravitated to her because she was so friendly and always smiling.

She was a member of the Catholic Church.

She enjoyed Reading, Working, Family Events and most of all, visiting with her grandchildren and g-grandchildren.

She is survived by 3 children, Darlene Brinkerhoff (Terry) of Holbrook, Donna Rae and Antonio (Tony) Padia of Phoenix, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one GG-grandchild, and her siblings, Anna Moya (Pat) of Tempe and Margie Gunnels (Sam) of Dewey, Az.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Christopher and Edward Gallegos, her mother Isadora Garcia, her father Tomas Ortega Sr., her six sisters, Della Ortega, Pauline Baca, Julia Aragon, Aurelia Baca, Arsenia Bezunartea, Regina Candelaria, and eight brothers, Fernandez, Liberato, Desiderio Smith, Santos, Tomas, Jose Leon, Maximiliano and Antonio (Tony) Ortega.

Gina was an amazing person with a remarkable life, she has made a difference in so many peoples lives. We are grateful that she was a part of our family and we are very fortunate to have had her presence for so many years. But now she is in a better place with the Angels without pain and sorrow. We shall meet her again someday.

Regina courageously fought her battle with Alzheimer’s, so in lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider making a donation in her name to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation at

2901 N. Central Avenue Ste, 160

Phoenix, Az. 85021

1-520-820-8083