Santos Ortega

Santos Ortega was born December 12, 1918 and passed away of natural causes June 26, 2017 in Fountain Valley, CA  He was an only child and grew up outside of Holbrook, AZ on his grandparents' ranch during the depression. He graduated from Holbrook High where he ran track (he did win one race when all the other athletes fell down).

He moved to California in 1941 and married his high school sweetheart, Maxine Ruiz in 1942. He worked at Convair Aircraft until he was drafted into the Army in 1943. After training, he shipped off to Liverpool, England and completed 31 missions over Germany.  When the war ended, he came home to his wife and new son Terry, born in his absence.

His North American/Rockwell career began May 27, 1948.  As a Field Technical Representative, he travelled to Portugal, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. During this time period, they were blessed with two daughters Andrea, and then five years later, Catherine.

Santos and Maxine moved to Downey in 1950, where he planted his roots and continued to work at Rockwell International. He was a founding member of St. Raymond's Catholic Church where he served as a lector. He completed a 40 year career after working on the Space Shuttle.  Santos and Maxine were married for 61 years before her passing in 2003.

Santos is survived by his children: Terry, Andrea and Catherine; grandchildren: Deanna, Nissa, Jason, Aaron, Andrea, and Jessica and great-grandchildren: Sydney, Kyley, Jacey, Eli, Addison, Titus, Kalea and Quinn.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the California Paralyzed Veterans Association given Santos’ years of service in the Army Air Corps. 

Below is a link to make a donation online. The mailing address is also noted within the link if you prefer that method of making a donation. Either way, please make a note that the donation is in memory of Santos Ortega.

https://www.razoo.com/story/California-Paralyzed-Veterans-Assn

If you would like to learn more about the California Paralyzed Veterans Association, please visit their website https://pvacaliforniachapter.org/

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