Dolores Bernadette Duran Ortega was born on June 11, 1949 in Morenci, Arizona, to Clorinda and Arturo Duran. At a very young age she embraced her passion for helping others by volunteering in the community and becoming a Blue Bird leader for young girls.
On January 18, 1973, she married Juan S. Ortega and lived in Morenci, where she started raising her family. She worked at Morenci elementary school for many years as a teacher’s aide and touched many lives. Dolores also had a love for dancing, and taught kids how to perform folklorico dance, for camping and also for cooking.
Her family continued to grow with the addition of grandchildren coming into her life. Dolores enjoyed having fun with them, always wanting the best for them. She always tried to help everyone she could and decided to do something that matched that passion and started working with adults at Arise Adult Disabilities Work Force. The students loved her, she always made them laugh and enjoy life.
Dolores will always be known as a selfless individual, with a strong faith in God and people. Throughout her life she was a devout Catholic and was always active in the Christian and Catholic churches. Dolores also loved to celebrate life with her friends and family. She loved to dance and attend parties where the fun was endless. She believed people should be happy, enjoy life and most importantly…family should always stick together.
Dolores Bernadette Ortega, 70, passed away July 8, 2019, in the home that she grew up in and raised her family…with many family and friends by her side.
She is survived by: her husband, Juan Ortega; her grown children, Mario, Tony, Janel, Kimberly and Lorraine; her 13 grandchildren; her 5 sisters and 1 brother.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Dolores will be celebrated Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Rev. Nathaniel Mma.
A rosary and prayers will be offered Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 9:00 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, led by Clara Reed and John Garcia.
Family will receive friends Saturday morning, July 13, 2019, from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., also at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
