DARLENE MARIE ORTEGA

Darlene Marie Ortega, 79, of Gainesville, MO passed to heaven on August 18, 2012 at her residence. She was born on September 1, 1932 in Peoria, IL the daughter of Corbit Earl and Clara E. (Farris) Black.

Darlene grew up in Peoria and was united in marriage to Felipe "Phil" Ortega on March 10, 1951 in Pekin, IL. To this union three sons were born. Darlene was a long time resident of Pekin before moving to Gainesville, MO. Darlene was a homemaker and a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved her family very much and could definitely be referred to as a "cool" grandma. She would often times be outside playing games with the children, even showing off her ball handling skills on the basketball court. She enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. Darlene was a Christian and a member of the Mission Square Church in Gainesville, MO. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Corbit and Clara Black; one son, Frederick Henry Ortega; and ten siblings. She is survived by her husband, Phil of the home in Gainesville, MO; two sons, Randy Ortega and wife Betty of Gainesville, MO and Anthony Ray Ortega of Texas; eight grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services for Darlene will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 21, 2012 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel in Gainesville, MO with Brother Jeff Dotson officiating. Burial will be the Lilly Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to service time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Square Church. On line condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome.com.