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In memory of

Ms. Mary L Ortega (Ward)

Mechanicsville, VA, USA

May 24, 1937 - April 15, 2021

May 24, 1937 - Apr 15, 2021

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Mary L. Ortega (Ward), of Mechanicsville, Virginia passed away on 15 April 2021 from Cancer. She was 83 years old. To say she lost the battle to cancer would assume she didn't fight hard enough, and that couldn't be furthermore from the truth. Mary was a determined warrior whose fight never got the best of her. Her entire life, she was iron-willed, tenacious, and could never be defeated. She illuminated the darkness in the world, and not even Cancer could dim her fire.

Mary was born on 24 May 1937 to John Ward and Pearl Ellis in Nebraska, where she immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. She had one brother, Donald, but she called him Jody, and she had one sister Carol, whom she called Poogie. It has been discovered Mary had 7 more half siblings, but it is unclear if she knew about them. Mary went on to graduate from Grand Junction High School in Colorado in 1954 as an honor student. After Graduation, Mary Enlisted into the United States Air Force where the Cold War was crystalizing during the 1950s. She worked in the Civil Air Patrol which was the Air Force's civilian auxiliary program, where she assisted in the mission of routine search and rescue missions, and coordinating relief efforts during natural disasters. Mary's family is uncertain of many details of her time in service as she never spoke in detail due to secrecy from her clearance. Mary was Honorable Discharged after a few years of service as women were expected to be Mother's first, before being a warrior due to the times.

While in the Air force, Mary married Allen Ray January (also in the Air Force). Together, they shared three daughters and one son. Later, Mary and Ray divorced and Mary would marry her old love interest from High School, Edward Sifers. They shared one daughter. The marriage wasn't forever, but three's a charm, and Mary would meet who she would say, the love of her life, Albert Ortega. They got married in 1978. They did not share children together, but Mary would take in Al's son and raise as her own. Al had a premature death in 1982 and she never married again as her heart stayed with him.

Although Mary was proud to serve her country, and to be a wife, her life's purpose was to be a Mother. She was a fiercely dedicated mom to all of her children, raising all to go on to accomplish great things. Family came first and was above all else to Mary, a value she instilled in all those around her. Mary supported her family as a Chef from the 1960's to when she retired in 1995. She loved to bake and make different Pastas. Mary was the most tender, riotous, selfless, and beautiful Mother, and would become an ever better Grandmother to a myriad of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary enjoyed doing arts and crafts all of her life. She loved to sew, quilt, create dream catchers, and paint. She loved to piece together puzzles, and was never matched with a puzzle that couldn't be completed. If there was an award for "Greatest Puzzler", then she would take the mantle. She loved raising pups, gardening, going shopping at thrift stores, swimming, going to yard sales in town, and having her own yard sales. She was a lover of books and would read 2+ western and romance books a day. She especially loved being with family and being surrounded by her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She was never alone because all of the kids wanted to be with her. She was a fan of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, western movies, and most notably, she had a strong love for the King, Mr. Elvis Presley. "Love Me Tender" was her favorite song. To say our hearts have a hole in it because she is gone is not true, but our hearts are overfilled with love and memories of her, and there is so much that its overwhelming.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband Al, father John, mother Pearl, brother Jody (Donald Ward), daughter Mary Jo, and Grandson Robert. She is survived by her sister Poogie (Carol Mcclendon (Larry)) her children; Gale Foster (Stan) of Grand Junction, CO; Kathrine Prince (David) of Mechanicsville, VA; Donald January (Vickie) of North Dakota; Kimberly Cary (Dan) of Grand Junction, CO; stepson David Ortega of Grand Junction, CO, along with 5 Aunts, 1 Uncle, 16 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren and many cousins. Mary was a Mother and Grandmother to all people in this world, especially to neighbors, co-workers, friends and anyone who was blessed to have known her. With that saying, she left behind much more than just family on Earth and to say how powerful of a presence she gifted people, not one person called her Mary, it was always Grandma Mary. She never spoke bad about one person, loved all, and was the perfect daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and overall friend.

"Right On Mom", until we meet again. -Loved ones and friends

Family is not requesting donations for services, but if you would like to donate, please consider to the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation. Trees will be planted in memory of Mary. They will be planted in Klamath National Forest in northern California.

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