Robert S. Ortega

Robert S. Ortega was born Feb. 13, 1952, in Morenci to Juan and Luisa Ortega. He entered into rest in the comfort of his own home on Feb. 26, 2007.

Robert was the youngest of four children and attended Morenci Schools, where he graduated in 1971. He excelled in sports and accomplished high honors in football and attended state track meets. Until his death, he would share stories and show his MVP trophy with his children and grandchildren. Robert was also known as “Sugar Bear.”

He went to work at Morenci’s Phelps Dodge Corporation in June of 1971, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator. On July 1, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Esther Jo Byrd. For the next 35 years, he and his wife experienced the joys of life. They began to build a beautiful family together, and they were blessed with four children, Priscilla, Robert, Elizabeth and Gabriel. They made their home in Morenci for many years and traveled to many places.

His family moved to Safford when he retired from Phelps Dodge after 30 years of service. He was often seen working on his house and won a city of Safford Pride trophy for it. He was very proud of that award.

Robert enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching old Westerns and drinking a cup of coffee with his brother, Juan, under the tree.

He played his guitar and composed many songs for his children, grandchildren, wife, friends, family, and spent many hours singing to the Lord.

For many years he was a dedicated Minnesota Vik-ings Fan, and he finally got to attend one of their games with his sons. Bob was also a great mechanic and what his father had shown him about fixing vehicles, he passed on to his sons and son-in-law.

He gave his life to the Lord in 1982 and spent the next 25 years dedicated to the Lord. He was an ordained minister. During this time, he became involved in prison fellowship in state and federal prisons and was also a seminar instructor. He helped bring hundreds of men to Christ. With his creative magnetism in preaching and singing, he brought joy and hope to many people.

Robert Ortega was a loving husband and a very proud father and grandfather. He was a light that touched everyone he met, and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Esther Jo; his four children, Priscilla (Tony) Aguinaga, Robert Ortega Jr., Elizabeth Ortega and Gabriel Ortega; four grandchildren, Anthony, Kristianna, Marcos and Sergio Aguinaga; one brother, Juan (Dolores) Ortega; two sisters, Irene (Juan) Benavidez and Martha (John) Garcia; his mother-in-law, Esther Flor-ez, and countless nieces and nephews.