Geneva Katherine Peterson

Johnny Reyes “Son Son” Ortega, 65, of Wasco, passed away unexpectedly April 23, 2020, in Texas. He was a beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was born to Domingo and Rafaela Ortega, along with his twin sister, Jolene, on March 18, 1955, in California. He grew up in Wasco, where he graduated with the class of 1973 from Wasco High School (Go Tigers)!

His joy came from his creative hands and mind. He was always fixing, building and creating projects. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and especially getting to know his grown children and grandbabies. He was trying to make up time, for so many years of being away from them all. You see, he turned to drugs at an early age and just a few years ago found the strength to get clean and sober. He found his way back from addiction; he tried to live a good life by doing for others as much as he could, by being a kind and caring person.

He shared the love of his new life with others. Johnny was an inspiration to many. He always talked about his children and grandbabies; he would express how much he loved them all. He only wanted the best for his family in life. His biggest regret was making the choice to do drugs, which stole so much from him, his children and family,

He loved God as a young man and was an altar boy at St. Joseph's Church. He loved his Raiders, music and being funny. He was always making you laugh or putting a smile on your face. Johnny touched so many lives and will dearly be missed.

Johnny is survived by his parents, Domingo and Rafaela Ortega, of Bakersfield; his children, Raquel Ortega, Alyssa Townsend and husband Cory, Johnny Ray Ortega; grandchildren Destiny, Adrian, Lisette, Monica, Cecilia, Angelina, Cora, Owen, Zane and Reanna; two great-grandbabies, Zaynah and Ziyllah; brothers Domingo Ortega and sister-in-law Lupe, Jerry Ortega and sister-in-law Rosa; sisters, twin Jolene Ortega, Flora Ortega, Rosie Ortega, Diane Lowe, Linda Martinez, Nellie Rodriguez and brother-in-law Alex, Maryann Rosas and brother-in-law Steve; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Johnny was preceded in death by his estranged wife Donna Aaron Ortega, daughter Corina Marie Ortega, nephew Enrique Ortiz Jr. (Henry) and nieces Mona Jara and Mia Lowe.

Viewing at Hillcrest Mortuary on Thursday, May 14t, 2-5 p.m. and burial at Union Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 15. Must wear a mask.