Tommie H. Orta

She was born on March 7, 1938, to Faustino and Beatrice Hernandez, and grew up in Waco, Texas. Tommie was influenced by her family to be a strong woman, always willing to put in the long hours to make sure her family was provided for, and she made sure to incorporate that mindset into her motherhood.

Tommie was married to Fred R. Orta, Sr. until 1983, and together they raised 7 children. As a mother, she was always giving of her time, sweet, strict but fair, extremely funny, and very much a no filter kind of lady. In 2002, she retired from Marathon Power Technologies after 23 years of service, and then began her decades long service of being a devoted grandmother, later promoted to the title of “Darlin” by her favorite grandson, Gabriel, whom she shared a special bond with.

In her free time, Darlin enjoyed playing crossword puzzles, watching Spanish novelas, coloring on her tablet, and most of all, she loved her Dallas Cowboys.

And while she was a frugal woman, she did always splurge for the slots and lotto tickets. Above all else, Darlin loved spending time with her family, whom she was very proud of.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Paul Hernandez Sr., and John Hernandez, sister, Mary Padilla, former spouse Fred R. Orta, Sr., sons, Paul H. Orta Sr., and Gilbert H. Orta Sr., and beloved four-legged companion, Chiquita Orta.

She is survived by her sons, Ernest H. Orta Sr., and wife, Lilia, and Fred Orta, Jr. and wife, Lois; daughters, Anna Marie Orta, Elizabeth H. Orta, and Yolanda Gongora and husband, Fabian; sisters, Lupe Chapa, and husband Gilbert, and Manuela Hernandez; 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 3, 2021, at Connally/Compton with Pastor Albert Fuentes officiating. Interment to follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m., Thursday, December 2, 2021, at the funeral home with Pastor Albert Fuentes and Bro. Joe Flores providing words of encouragement. Special thanks to all the nurses and Dr. Rafael Perez with Baylor Scott & White and Sandra Padilla for all the support, help and kindness that was shown to Darlin and our family.

Pallbearers: Gabriel Gongora, Fabian Gongora, Fred Orta, Jr., Pete Padilla, Santiago (Jimmy) Chavez and Gilbert Chapa, Jr.