Maria Ortega, 71, Dodge Center

Maria Ortega, 71, of Dodge Center, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.

Maria was born on July 20, 1949 in Hughes, Ark. to Juan and Adela (Ochoa) Dominguez. Maria and her family had moved to Texas and there she began to work at Levi Strauss as a seamstress.  She had four children from a previous marriage. On Aug. 7, 1978 she married Regino Ortega in Plainview, Tex., and together they had seven children. 

Maria and Regino traveled back and forth from Texas to Minnesota for seasonal work. In 1983, they established their roots in Minnesota to raise their family. She was a very loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Many other children outside of her family even considered her their “Grandma Ortega”. 

Maria was an avid sewer and crocheter. She enjoyed cooking for her family and others, especially making homemade tortillas, elephant ears, and tamales. She looked forward to sharing her talent with everyone. She also loved to make homemade Christmas gifts for her family. She will be deeply missed.

Maria is survived by her husband, Regino Ortega Jr.; children, Mia (Danny Lyke), Maria (Brian Grant), Stefanie (Leonardo Cruz), Reggie III, Juan, Cathy (Danny Simmons), Jason, Josh, Salvador, Angelica (Casey Goff); 40 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Lupita Garcia, Delfa (Jose Padilla), Adela Deluna, and Gloria (Robert Salinas).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Adela Dominguez; brothers, Guillermo Dominguez and Juan Jr. Dominquez; sister, Maria-Juanita; daughter, Marlena Grant; grandsons, Cody Grant and Ory Lyke; and great-grandson, Miles Nelson. 

A mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday at St. John Baptiste de la Salle Parish, Dodge Center, with Father John Lasuba and Father Tom Niehaus officiating. 

Interment was in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center. 

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street, Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507)374-2155. Blessed be her memory.