ORTEGA, Bert B.

Bert B. Ortega, 83, of Florence died Dec. 24, 2006. Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, with rosary recited at 7, at Assumption Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was celebrated there at 11:30 a.m. Saturday by the Rev. Charles Cloud. Burial was in Florence Cemetery. Born Oct. 12, 1923, Mr. Ortega was a lifelong Florence resident. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and a district lineman for Arizona Public Service Co. before retirement. He loved being with his family, the outdoors, going out to eat and the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Suns. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Helen R.; two sons, Bert Ortega Jr. of Chula Vista, Calif., and Eddie Ortega of Florence; two sisters, Teresa Ortega of Florence and Carolyn Arriaga of Oracle; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a son, Hector Ortega. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Ortega's name to: RTA Hospice Foundation, 1675 E. Monument Plaza Drive, Casa Grande, AZ 85222. Simes Mortuaries Florence Chapel was in charge of arrangements. ©Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. 2007