John J. "Shorty" Ortega
John J. "Shorty" Ortega, 95, died Saturday, August 5,2006, at Aspen Ridge Assisted Living in Flagstaff where he had resided for a year. For five years prior to that, he lived near his daughter here in Flagstaff.

John was born May 26, l9ll, in Kelly, New Mexico. In November of 1930 he married Dena Scartaccini, his childhood sweetheart. They were married for 72 years until her death in November, 2000. In 1953, the Ortegas moved to Globe, Arizona, where John continued working in the copper mining industry until his retirement in 1980.

Survivors include his daughter Helen J. Heal (James), of Flagstaff; his son James (Jeannine) of Tucson; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren; a brother Eddie Sais, Albuquerque, New Mexico; three sisters, Dolores Hoglan (Ken), Long Beach, CA, Esther Yates-Sais, Campbell, CA and Lillie Meek (Dave), Copley, Ohio.

John enjoyed rock collecting, Southwest Indian art, watching the Arizona Diamond Backs, and regular visits to area casinos. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Rosary and vigil services will be Friday, Aug. 11th at 7 :00 p.m. at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel, 16 W. Cherry St. The funeral mass will be on Saturday, Aug. 12 at l2.OO noon also at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Norvel Owens Mortuary is directing arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army, or Northland Hospice.