Johnnie Elaine Ortega

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Johnnie Elaine Ortega, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, friend, and coworker, who left us peacefully on December 2, 2024. Elaine was 62 years old.

Elaine’s life was defined by her unwavering love for her family and her deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. She was married to her loving and devoted husband, Roy Ortega, for 23 years. Together, they were deeply committed to their children and grandchildren, whom they loved and cherished with great pride.

Elaine dedicated 22 years of her career to McLennan Community College, where she was a respected and valued supervisor in the custodial department, earning numerous service awards throughout her tenure. Before starting her career at McLennan Community College, she briefly worked as a custodial supervisor at Providence Hospital. It was there, by God's design, that she met Roy, and their beautiful love story began. Her kindness and commitment to excellence left a profound impact on everyone she worked with, creating a legacy of compassion and dedication that will be fondly remembered.

Elaine had a passion for life, especially when it came to family vacations and traveling with Roy. Her love for quality time with family and making memories was known to all, and it was through these moments that she found peace and happiness. Elaine loved fishing and being on the water. She enjoyed evenings with friends and family at Painting with a Twist, and she cherished her time quilting, creating beautiful blankets and treasures for her loved ones. She also treasured family gatherings over coffee and good conversation.

Elaine was a proud member of the First Echota Cherokee Tribe of Texas. She often spoke fondly of her Native American heritage and encouraged her children and grandchildren to embrace and honor this important part of their identity.

Elaine is lovingly survived by Chris and Isabel Ortega of Waco, TX, along with their children, Isabell, Emmitt, and Elaya; Marcella Garcia and her family; John and Kimberly Robinson of Robinson, TX, and their two children, Landon and Emery; Matthew and Alicia Robinson of Robinson, TX, and their four children, Faith, Maxwell, Wyatt, and Ashton; Amanda and Robert Sleeper of College Station, TX; Ashley and Lyon Vinson of Riesel, TX, and their two children, Justice and Liberty; and Kayla Ortega and Shawn Buck of China Spring, TX, with their two children, Annabelle and Nolan.

She is also survived by her mother, Johnnie Arnell (Chamblee) Bequette, of Cahokia, IL, and her siblings: Wynnfred Batey Jr. of Axtell, TX; Edward Bequette of New Port Richey, FL; Rhonda Baudendistel of Cahokia, IL; and Tammy Bequette of Granite City, IL, and among many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Elaine was preceded in death by her father, Wynnfred B. Batey, of Riesel, TX; her brother, Shannon Batey, of Riesel, TX; her sister, Deborah Lindsay, of Pontoon Beach, IL; and her sister, Rochelle Bequette, of Cahokia, IL.

In honoring Elaine’s wishes, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Pecan Grove Funeral Home in Robinson, TX. A burial service will follow at Waco Memorial Cemetery in Robinson, TX.