Aron Ortega

Aron Ortega, 87, of Green River passed away Dec. 11. He passed away after a short illness surrounded by family.     

Ortega was born in the small town of Amalia, N.M. on Oct. 18, 1927, the son of the late Eloy Ortega and Carlota Sanchez.  

He married the former Bernice Vigil on June 20, 1946 in Green River. Together they had 10 children, seven boys and three girls.

Ortega moved to Green River in 1943. He worked many jobs as a young man including the coal mines in Kemmerer, sheepherding in the Sweetwater drainage, and the Union Pacific Railroad. He finished his work career as a miner and retired from OCI Inc. in 1989. During his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family, working on home projects, swimming at the Green River Recreation Center, fishing and camping, and traveling with his wife Bernice. For many years after retirement they spent winters in Needles, Calif.  

His many grandchildren enjoyed his quick wit bantering, card games, chile verde, menudo, and happy hour.  He and his wife frequently hosted gatherings at their home where many memories were made with family and friends.

Survivors include one sister, Billie Lee Garcia from Ogden, Utah; nine children, Dennis Ortega and wife Laurie from Green River, David Ortega and wife Mary from Mesa, Ariz., Leonard Ortega and wife Kay from Green River, Phillip Ortega and wife Dianne from Tooele, Utah, Chris Ortega and wife Cheryl from Green River, Carmen Gaensslen and husband Pat from Green River, Danny Ortega from Rock Springs, Grace Walker from Denver, and Steven Ortega from San Francisco, Caif. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.  

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Sandra Ortega; and four brothers, Lee Ortega, Leephonso Ortega, Domenico Ortega, and Ernie Vialpondo.

A mass of Christian burial too place Monday.

Pallbearers include his six grandsons: Brock Ortega, Adam Ortega, Aaron Ortega, Scott Gaensslen, Emil Gaensslen, and Eddie Walker.