Bernardo Ortega, Sr.

Bernardo “Shorty” Ortega Sr., 95, passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021 in Abilene, Texas. A visitation will be from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM, Monday, December 13, 2021 in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South. A funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 2525 Westview Abilene, Texas. Interment will follow the service in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Shorty was born August 20, 1926 in Anson, Texas to Adolfo and Felicia Ortega. On December 13, 1949 he married the love of his life Eleuteria Gonzales. The couple spent 71 wonderful years together. Shorty worked for John Deere in Stamford for 36 years as a diesel mechanic. He loved repairing tractors, cotton fields, plowed fields, and sweets. Shorty was very involved in his church. He sang in the choir and was a member of the Crusillistas. He was a true family man that loved his family selflessly. Shorty laid out a legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for his family to follow for years to come.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Ricky Ortega and grandson, Eric Ortega.

Shorty is survived by his wife, Eleuteria Ortega; his children, Benny Ortega and wife Diana, Estella Ortega Baladez, Cindy Garcia and husband Santos, Janie Manzo and husband Ralpha, David Ortega, and Jennifer Ortega; 13 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; sister, Maria Burciaga; the Ortega brothers and sisters from Oklahoma; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com