Leroy Gerald Ortega

LeRoy Gerald Ortega

July 11, 1944 – May 5, 2015

LeRoy Gerald Ortega passed away on May 5, 2015, at home with his loving wife and family by his side after a long battle with cancer.  LeRoy was born on July 11, 1944, in Saguache, Colorado to Louis and Teresina (Casias) Ortega.  On June 18, 1966, LeRoy married the love of his life, Mary Ortega (Rocha) from Montrose, Colorado with whom he spent 49 years of marriage.  After their wedding, they settled in Saguache, Colorado.  Five years later, they moved to Montrose, Colorado.  LeRoy was employed with Walker and Krill Construction for 15 years.  LeRoy finished out his working years at Russell Stover where he worked for 15 years.  In his younger years, he worked side-by-side with his brothers doing custom haying and traveling around Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming shearing sheep. LeRoy was a very hard worker with a spectacular work ethic.

LeRoy could always be seen with an infectious smile.  LeRoy’s smile always brightened the room especially when his beloved granddaughters walked through the door.  He greeted friends and family with a smile and joke.  He was quick witted and never was short on words or stories.  He was never happier than when he was surrounded by friends and family, taking a nap in the shade on a hot summer’s day, or teaching his nephews a trick or two.

LeRoy is survived by his wife, Mary Ortega. His son, LeRoy T. Ortega (Jeannette) of Montrose, CO.  His daughter Desireé Ortega of Montrose, CO.  Brothers:  Louis Ortega, Greeley, CO; Phillip Ortega, Saguache, CO; Isadore (MaryAnn) Ortega, Pueblo, CO; Johnny (Carol) Ortega, Saguache, CO; sister, Vickie (David) Garcia Denver, CO; sister-in-law, Lupe Ortega, Pueblo, CO; special daughter, Diane Doughty, Montrose, CO; and honorary daughter/niece, Mariá (Chase) Lane. His two grandchildren Shelby and Ashley Ortega and numerous nieces and nephews.  He will be greatly missed by his beloved brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, friends, and the countless kids that adopted him as their honorary Dad.

LeRoy is preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Frank and Nellie Rocha; infant daughter Danielle Ortega; brothers: Max, George, and Charlie Ortega; sister, Juanita (Julie) Tafoya; sister-in-laws Julie and Viola Ortega; and brother-in-laws: Daniel Rocha and Frankie Rocha.

The viewing will be Friday May 8th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Crippin Funeral Home 802 East Main, Montrose, CO 81401.  Funeral service will be Saturday May 9, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Crippin Funeral Home Chapel.  Memorial contributions in honor of LeRoy G. Ortega may be made to Hope West Hospice, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado is assisting the family.