Rosa Emma Ortalejo

Rosa Emma Ortalejo passed away on December 1, 2025, after a courageous battle against cancer. Rosa was 69 years old.

Rosa was born in Presidio, Texas on March 16, 1956, to Martha and Gabriel Orona. She was fortunate enough to meet the love of her life when she was a teenager, and she and Jose were blessed with 53 years of marriage. A marriage that would produce four children: Raquel, Josefina, Jose, and Esteban, and 11 grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, coloring, sewing and a good cup of coffee. Her true joy was cooking, finding recipes and making them her own, teaching her kids and grandchildren how to make her food, sharing her love of food with her family and friends.

Rosa demonstrated her natural ability to care for others as an older sister to seven siblings, then as a devoted wife, and later as a stay at home mom. Entering the nursing field was an obvious path when she decided to work. Her desire to care for others was evident as she worked as an LVN emergency nurse and then as a home health nurse, where each of her patients became a part of her family.

Her nurturing spirit was the most evident in her love for God. She unashamedly shared the word of God, usually through the music ministry she shared with her husband. Rosa was a strong and valiant warrior for Christ who fought through every trial and tribulation with courage and endurance.

Gracias Señor, porque vivimos aquí como extranjeros. El mundo no es nuestro hogar, pero una posada donde comemos y nos alojamos, esperando nuestro viaje mañana.

Viejita, you leave behind a huge hole in our lives, but you have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith.