Russell Ortego, 87, of DeQuincy, was born Sept. 29, 1936, in Washington and passed away Saturday, June 8, 2024, surrounded by his family in DeQuincy.
Russell started working in the oilfield at 18 years old. He married the love of his life, Donnie Sue Yellott, on June 7, 1958, in DeQuincy. He and Donnie also owned a gas station for a short period of time. Russell moved his family to Grand Isle in 1966 and went back to work offshore which gave him a total of 30 years in the oilfield. Much of that time he was with C&D Wireline. After returning to DeQuincy in 1979 Russell continued working offshore. Around 1986 Russell and Donnie started Donnie’s Tamales and worked it for about 36 years. As a young man Russell played music with his legendary friend George Jones. Russell enjoyed being outdoors. He loved fishing, crabbing, raising chickens and ducks, and hunting. He loved his Curr dog, which he named Dog, and his dog, Prissy. He loved planting a big garden…the best tasting tomatoes in DeQuincy. In 2018, Russell had an incredible spiritual experience where the Lord changed his life, forever. Towards the end of his life, he stated that his family was his greatest accomplishment in life.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Donnie Sue Yellott Ortego; son, Joseph Edwin (Eddie) Ortego of DeQuincy; daughters, Tammy Smith and husband Bishop Kenneth Smith of Tarkington, Texas, and Tina Bowman and husband Joseph Bowman of Singer; brother, Roland James Ortego of Carencro; grandchildren, April Hamilton and husband Tomas, Dustin Ortego and wife Autumn, Colton Ortego, Hannah Adkins and husband Braedyn, Jeffery Paris, Rev. Kenny Smith and wife Beth, and Josey Holley; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Joseph Carton Ortego; mom, Josephine Guidry Ortego; brother, Joseph Carlton (J.C) Ortego; daughter in law, Paula Ortego; and great-grandchild, William Wayne Smith.
The family received friends from 5-8 p.m., Monday, June 10, at First United Pentecostal Church, 230 Smith St., DeQuincy, with the funeral service beginning 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 11, at the church. Pastor Carlton Jackson Jr., Bishop Kenneth Smith, and Rev. Kenny Smith officiated. Interment followed at Hyatt Cemetery.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W. Fourth St., DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
