William Orta |
| Posted 2022-03-07 by mhenderson |
| Published by Yuma Sun on Mar. 6, 2022 - Yuma, Arizona - William Billy Orta passed away on February 21, 2022 at his home in Yuma, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 24, 1939 to Miguel and Refugia "Cuca " Orta. He was one of 10 children. In 1962, he married Jessie Mendivil. They raised 6 children together. They have 17 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. In his teens, he started boxing. He fought as an amateur for several years and then went on to compete in 19 professional fights. When his kids were old enough to compete in boxing, Billy started coaching. Not only did he coach his own kids, he also coached many local youth and adults from Yuma and the surrounding area over the years. Many became state, national and Golden Glove champions. At one point, Yuma City Council proclaimed Billy Orta Day in gratitude for his involvement with the youth of Yuma County. Billy began working as a plasterer for various companies right out of high school. In the early 1970's, Billy and his brothers started Orta's Lath and Plastering. Later, he went on to help his son start up Ray Orta Construction, Inc. and eventually Artesian Pools and Spas. He helped run the companies until his retirement. Billy is survived by his wife, Jessie Orta, sons William Jr., Ray (Annette), Rick (Judy), Trini (Audrey), and daughters Nikki (Chris) Hoogendoorn and Cindy (Randy) Garcia, brother John, sisters Irene Alfaro and Delphina (Sam) Ayala, many nieces, nephews and all his grandchildren. Some of our favorite memories of Dad were him shadow boxing with his grandkids, stories about his childhood in Yuma and his family's adventures migrating with their farmworker father, El Golfo trips, deep sea fishing trips and fishing on the side of a canal, and just hanging out. He will be deeply missed by his family and much of the Yuma community. Billy's funeral mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Thursday, March 10th 2022 at 10 am. A celebration of life will follow at 3176 E 43rd Street, Yuma, AZ 85365. Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun |
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