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Elsie Lucinda Ortega

Feb. 3, 1925 - Nov. 24, 2020

Date of Service: Dec. 4, 2020

BURLEY – Elsie Lucinda Ortega, a 95-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center in Burley.

Our Mom was born February 3, 1925, to Don and Marina Martinez in the small town of Capulin, Colorado. She was one of 12 children. She grew up and attended school in Capulin. There she met our father, Manuel Rudy Ortega, and they were married on November 15, 1943. They had five children: Robert “Bob” Ortega (Jane) of Eden Idaho, Ruth Tundag (Richard) of Rupert, Virginia Pollard (Les) of Nampa, and Andy Ortega (Kris) of Ennis, Montana. They also had a daughter, Elsie, who died at childbirth. They have 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Who can summarize 95 years of someone's life in a few paragraphs? So we will share her two most outstanding traits.

First and foremost, she inherited the "Martinez work ethic". Hard work was her adrenalin. Those in the family will understand when we say you'd find her pulling weeds in the garden at 5:30 in the morning and didn't stop working until sundown. Many were the days we'd wake up at 7 a.m. to the sound of the vacuum cleaner already going and the kitchen cabinet door slamming. We never figured out if she just wanted us to get out of bed or to instill that same work ethic in us; needless to say, whatever her motive, it worked–we all inherited her work ethic.

Her second outstanding trait was her gift of hospitality. Mom wasn't born with this gift, it was one that developed out of necessity. When Dad entered the ministry, Mom worked alongside him. In those days, it was the custom that the pastor was expected to house and feed the visiting preacher or evangelist in their own home. Our parents gave up their bed for our visiting guest, which in turn caused our parents to sleep in our bed and we slept on the floor. Mom would cook all three meals for our guest, no matter if the guest stayed three days or two weeks.

The younger generation today would not understand Mom's devotion to her work and hospitality and at the time, neither did we. But today, we value these traits and find she taught us well as we ourselves carry on the same traditions.

Aside from her children and grandchildren, Mom is survived by five sisters: Ann Tillman of California, Evelyn Marin of Union City, California, Susan Thompson of Pocatello, Margaret Gale of Roy, Utah, and Tives Soto of Pocatello.

She was preceded her in death by her parents; her husband; siblings, Nieves Martinez, Andrew Martinez, Martha Martinez, Joe Martinez, Don Martinez, and Lonnie Martinez; son-in-law, Richard Tundag Sr., grandson, Justin L. Ortega; and great-grandchildren, William Elliott, Grace Elliott, and Jeremiah McFate.

We'd like to express our appreciation to the all the staff at Parke View for the care they gave our Mom. We would also like to thank our sister, Ruth, for all time, work and care she gave Mom. She not only carried her share, but our share too as the rest of us live out town.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 4, 2020, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, with Pastor Nathan Pollard officiating. Friends and family will be received from 10 until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. The interment will take place at the Rupert Cemetery, where Elsie will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Manuel.

Condolences for Elsie Lucinda Ortega

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From carmen anderson:

I have never erased from my memory when as tiny as Tia was. She was driving the truck as she & Mom were going from farm to farm in Monte Vista, Co. to buy the vegetables to make and can Chow Chow. I don't remember you kids being in the back of the truck as Tia drove us all over the place. Herman and I were in the back of the bed of the truck and I could see thru the back window tiny Tia as she drove us all over and Mom sitting beside her. This is 4th verse from the hymn "Come, Come, Ye Saints" It is so fitting for our parents who have now left us orphans. ". And should we die before our journey’s through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
But if our lives are spared again
To see the Saints their rest obtain,
Oh, how we’ll make this chorus swell—
All is well! All is well! (Text: William Clayton, 1814–1879) We are at peace knowing we were born to loving, good parents. What a blessing!

From Isabel y Ricardo Martinez:

Fue una mujer ejemplar y muy querida!!!!

From Herb & Teesa Sinclair, Roger McBride:

So very sorry for your loss! Sending thoughts and prayers to you all!

From Richard Saldaña:

Elsie, it's going to be hard to imagine this world without you. You were more like a family member to us than a friend. You will never be forgotten by the Saldaña family nor by all those who love you. Thanks to you and Manuel for all you did to make Burley a better place. My Mom (Pompella) says to save her a place at the table.

From Dave & Ruth Burrus:

So sorry for your loss Ruth. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

From Minerva Shell:

My sincerest condolences to the whole family, rest in peace sister Ortega.

From Ruben and Maribel Olmos :

I was blessed to of been able to grow up in church with Sister Ortega and also be her neighbor on Tannie Ave . I have great memories of her brother Ortega and the whole family . She was always so welcoming and a great example of how we should trust in God and live our life’s . I will cherish her memories!

From Marjorie Jensen:

I am so sorry of hearing of the passing of your sweet Mother.She was always smiling everytime I seen her.Your in my thoughts and Prayers.

From Peggy Gallegos Forbes:

So sorry for your loss Andy. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Gallegos Forbes

From Joe and Kathy Cooper:

We are so sorry to hear if you Moms passing. She was a true woman of God. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

From Jim Powell :

Heaven has gained a special soul . What a testament to faithfulness, love and commitment. I’m sure when crowns are handed out she will be one of the first to receive. I sorrow with the family yet rejoice in all our future with King Jesus.

From Judy MAESTAS:

She was my Pastor when I was a young child and into my teen years when I would visit her at Parkview we shared many memories Thank Sister Ortega for your Love Our condolences to the Family Now she is with her Lord.

From Judy MAESTAS:

From Marlene Page:

Sending condolences and caring thoughts .So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Jerry and Marlene Page

From Juanita Sorg:

Our sincerest condolences! Gene & Juanita Sorg

From Jeffrey Fackrell:

Always a kind smile! Sorry for your loss Andy!

From Cleo Gallegos:

Sending thoughts and prayers to each of you. Richard and Cleo Gallegos

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