Melanie Nicole Ortega

In Loving Memory: May 23, 1970 – November 19, 2025
Celebrating the Life of Melanie Nicole Ortega
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Melanie Nicole Ortega, of Conroe, TX, beloved wife, daughter, and friend. Born as Melanie on May 23, 1970, on Forbes Air Force base near Topeka, KS and departed this world on November 19, 2025, in Houston, TX, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and inspiration to all who knew her.
A Life Well Lived
Melanie's life was a testament to compassion, generosity, and strength. She lived a post-transplant life of service to and with her transplant community. Melanie was a dual lung and kidney transplant recipient – in September 2017. She was an active member of the Houston Methodist Support Group for Lung and Heart Transplant. She volunteered her time at the hospital, and she shared her experiences and offered council to those new to the transplant world, or those who just needed a calm voice full of encouragement and a welcoming feeling of community. Her unwavering dedication to her family was matched only by her commitment to helping others. Melanie approached every challenge with grace and perseverance, serving as a source of encouragement and wisdom to those around her.
Family and Community
Melanie was preceded in death by her father, David Guy King. Melanie is survived by her husband, Gregory Joseph Ortega; her mother, Audrey Janelle King, nee Browning; and her brother, Joshua Maxwell King. She will be fondly remembered by her numerous friends whose lives she touched. Her devotion to her loved ones and her involvement in her transplant community will remain an enduring legacy.
Legacy and Remembrance
Melanie was an avid reader. She loved many genres of written text, from nonfiction to fantasy. In her working life she was a Production Editor at Oxford University Press. Melanie loved her many pets throughout her life. She partnered with Count Chocula, "Choc" her Cairn Terrier, to achieve the highest level of success earning the Endurance Earthdog Title.
Service Information
Three Celebrations of Life will be planned into the Summer and Fall of 2026, one each in Texas, North Carolina, and Ohio where family and friends will gather to share memories, offer support, and celebrate her remarkable journey.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pre to Post Transplant Foundation as a tribute to Melanie's memory.
Checks may be sent to:
Pre to Post Transplant Foundation
PO BOX 640404
El Paso, TX 79904
Or directly through the website:
www.pretopost.org/give
Melanie believed in living life to its fullest and making a positive impact wherever she could. Melanie's memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Melanie Nicole Ortega will be deeply missed, but her loving spirit and enduring legacy will remain with us forever.