George Richard Ortega

George Richard Ortega, 81, of Swink passed away on November 23, 2021, at the UC Health Highlands Ranch. He was born on June 8, 1940, in La Junta to Maltilde & Mary (Aragon) Ortega.

George was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enlisted in the Navy in Long Beach, California and did his tour in Alaska. He met and married the love of his life Carmen Torrez on March 3, 1962, in Alameda, California. He was a devoted Catholic and attended church services every Sunday.

George loved spending time with his family especially his grandkids teaching them how to fish and hunt, having barbecues with his family, gardening, and teaching about the importance of having faith in God.

He is survived by his wife, Carmen of the Swink home; children, Tina Ortega of La Junta; Joan (Lawrence) Ramirez of La Junta; George Ortega, Jr. of Las Junta; grandchildren, Carlota (Alex Garcia) Ortega, Jennifer Salas, Ray (Erica) Salas, Jr., George Ortega, III, Derrick Ortega, Jazzlean Ortega and Richard Ortega; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Lou Draughn, Gloria A. Anderson, Wilhelma Martinez and Eugene Chavez; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Roberta Gonzales, Ernie Ortega, Manuel Ortega, Johnny Miera, Stella Werick and Rudolph Ortega.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Friday, December 10, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. both services at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish with Father Victor Raj officiating. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in La Junta with military honors by the Rocky Ford Rifle Team, American Legion Post #8.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.