A Memorial Service will be held on August 13, 2016, at 2:00 P.M., at LIMA-CAMPAGNA-JOHNSON FUNERAL HOME, 17720 Monterey Street, Morgan Hill. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to your local hospice. Rita’s final resting place will be in Turlock Memorial Park in Turlock, CA.
Rita Ortega passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 25th, 2016.
Rita was born in Pittsburg, PA on April 13, 1930 to Andrew and Margaret Espey. She had one brother, Gene Espey.
The family moved to Morgan Hill, CA in 1946, where they had a prune ranch for many years. Rita drove the tractor and was able to disc the field.
In 1955, she married Arthur E. Ortega whose parents were Ben and Pearl Ortega. Arthur and Rita had one son, Arthur Ortega.
In 1967, Rita became a bus driver for the Morgan Hill School District. She retired in 2003 after 36 years. Rita was very proud of her bus driving career.
She enjoyed working in her yard and garden with her dog, Annie.
She enjoyed taking pictures with her 35mm camera and crocheting blankets. In her younger days, she enjoyed riding with the Saddle-ites riding club.
Rita is survived by her son, Arthur (Teresa) Ortega, Grandsons, Jared (Angelina) Ortega and Joshua (Deanna) Eslick, Granddaughters Katie (Patrick) Moroney and Monique (Ryan) Leighton and six great-grandchildren; Ethan, Branden, Isabella, Abigail, Marley and Chase.
Rita was living in Modesto at Bethel Assisted Living. We are so grateful for the wonderful activities and care she received from all the amazing staff at Bethel.
