Juanita Estrada Ortega, age 88, of Menard, went to be with the Lord, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at her home in Menard.
Juanita was born on November 6, 1937, in Menard, Texas, to Felipe Estrada and Eva (Galindo) Estrada. She grew up in Menard and married the love of her life, Tomas Ortega, Sr., on January 1, 1956, in Menard. They were married 66 years and had four children, Thomas Jr., Rangel, Omega, and Olivia.
Juanita loved dancing, caring for her plants, sewing, and being in the kitchen preparing something, whether it be for herself, her family, or for company. It was always a joy for her. She worked at the Menard County Courthouse for 27 years. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Menard. She was lifelong resident of Menard.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Juanita Estrada Ortega was held Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Menard. Interment followed at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Menard. The family will received friends Monday evening with the Holy Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Friends may view and/or sign Juanita’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels. com.
Juanita is survived by her son Rangel Ortega and wife Leticia; daughters Omega Gauna and companion Jesse and Olivia Perez; brothers Felipe Estrada and wife Alice and Joe Estrada; sisters Anita Rios and Amy Benevides; thirteen grandchildren; twenty- four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren several nieces, nephews, and many friends. She will be joining her parents, the love of her life, Tomas Sr., son Thomas Jr., grandsons James and Jermain Ortega, three brothers, Ernest Estrada, Pete Estrada and Jesus Alisalda, sister Lupe Lucio, sons-inlaw Fernando Perez and Daniel Gauna, sister-in-law Juanita Estrada, brothers-in-law Ben Rios, John Benevidez, and Juan Lucio.