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Ernest "Ernie" Ortega

1937 - 2011

BORN

1937

DIED

2011

About

Rosemead High School

Ernest Ortega Obituary

Ernest "Ernie" Ortega died February 22, 2011 in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He was born in Los Angeles, Calif., March 12, 1937 to John and Ana Ochoa Ortega. He was raised in Rosemead, Calif. He was an active Boy Scout and earned Scouting's highest award, the Eagle. He graduated from Rosemead High School in 1956. After High School he entered the United States Navy in September 1956 where he served for four years, reaching the rank of E4. While stationed in Hawaii, he was chosen to be an extra in the movie South Pacific. After leaving the Navy he went to Pasadena City College and became a barber. He worked as a barber in Southern California for 47 years. He was a member of a desert area car club and had won awards for his Chevy SSR. He loved life to the fullest. He leaves behind a twin sister, Isabel "Izzy" (Robert) Snider; one son, David (Gena) Ortega; two grandsons, Daniel and Brandon; four nephews, one niece, and many grand nephews and nieces. Services are Friday, March 4, 2011 at 10:00am at St. Theresa's Parish, 2800 E. Ramon Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92264. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun from Mar. 2 to Mar. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Ortega

19 Entries

Ernie Ortega

Larry Snider

February 24, 2021

Uncle Ernie, it has been 10 years since you have past. I miss you every day.

Ronald Snider

February 25, 2012

Uncle Ernie, I miss and think of you all the time... Larry and I speak of you often about all the fun and laughter you brought us or family and friends. I hope someday I will be able to meet you again and all the new friends you now have in heaven. May God continue to rest your soul when you aren't chasing the girls. I will always love and miss you very much until we can meet again...

Larry Snider

February 25, 2012

Larry Snider

February 25, 2012

It has been a year since Ernie has past. He was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery, CA. I LOVE AND MISS YOU ERNIE.

Lisa Melin-Angrisani

October 16, 2011

I remember Ernie. When I was twelve years old (in 1973) my dad Rocky Mellin, took me to Ernie to "Fix" the bad haircut that my friends mother gave me, (without) consulting my mom. He gave me the best haircut I ever had. Ernie was a fine and gentle man. Funny and outgoing! I remember when he moved to Palm Springs and we all helped him move, it was a big adventure for us! I am sad that we lost touch, I would have liked to have seen him again. So, rest in peace, Ernie.

Alyssa Snider

April 4, 2011

I am lucky to call Ernie my Great Uncle, friend, and grandfather at heart. His gentle and young soul always knew how to make us smile or laugh even when on our worst days. He was so giving and loving. He loved the company of people, especially women..and boy did he have his way with them! His love and laughter was contagious. I can not be more lucky to know such an incredible man. He has brought so much happiness and joy to my family. I miss his warm hugs and kisses already. He will forever be in my heart. I love you. I Love you. I LOVE YOU ERNIE. xoxo

Angelica Hobbs

March 21, 2011

Ernie Ortega was my Great Uncle. I miss and think about him every day. He was such a gentle soul and kind man. We lived so far away & I always loved his visits to Nebraska. I seen him many times over the course of my 33 years. I'm so glad he got to meet my husband & daughter. I just wish that he could have met my 1 year old son. I know he would have loved him. Rest in peace Uncle Ernie. I know that you are in a better place & I can't wait to see your beautiful face when I get to heaven some day. I love you!

Ron Snider

March 20, 2011

Uncle Ernie, I think about you every day. I smile when I think about how much fun we had over the years. I just wish we could have continued with those good times. I will always miss and love you very much!!! Rest in peace.

Larry Snider

March 7, 2011

Ernie was my uncle, my godfather, my friend. He looked afer me and my family all of his life. He taught me to be a gentleman because he led by example. There will never be a kinder man cross our paths. We will miss his ward hugs and kisses for the girls. My family will miss him, but keep him in our hearts forever. For those of you that attended the sevice for Ernie "Thank You". I was not surprised to see such a support of love for him and the family. I enjoyed speaking to many of you after the service and the stories of Ernie will stay with me forever. I love you "Nino". Rest in peace.

Don Duncan

March 3, 2011

I for one am proud to call Ernie my friend of 35 years.Ernie only had friends he was kind and thoughful to all that new him.Just simply put he is agood guy.Oh yes Ernie always had a good joke to tell.Yes Ernie loved and
belived in god I know god has him now.I will truly miss you

Garcia Family

March 3, 2011

Ernie , you were a great friend and a great neighbor . Every morning we would go outside and find you watering your beautiful garden , always giving us a great smile and a happy good morning . having long talks with us that would make us laugh and enjoy those moments . You were and still will be in our hearts , we shall pray for you and hope you are finally resting in peace , and eternal happiness . When we found out about your passing away we literally fell in tears , to find out that such a great a great man and amazing friend had gone to a better place , my kids were one of the most hurt ones because they loved you very much , and they always remember the talks they had with you and those funny memories with you , and they just wanted me to mention the first time they had tasted pumpin pie ice cream , they said they never knew what that was until you had given them some . They always mention how you were so dear to them almost like as if you were a grandpa to them . We love you VERY much Ernie , and ALWAYS will . Hope you are in a better place full of eternal happiness . You shall always remain in our hearts , rest in peace Ernie Ortega ?
- Your Friends ,
The Garcia Family

We Love You Ernie ?

Eva Estrada

March 2, 2011

Ernie may you rest in peace you are up there with all the Angels you will fit right in. You were an Angel yourself. Such a gentleman with such a big smile when I would see you I will miss your hugs and xmas cards.He was a wonderful man. My Deepest Sympthy to the Family my Prayers are with you. Eva Estrada

Michael Hill

March 2, 2011

I was only blessed with knowing Ernie for about 12 years of cutting my hair. As a former Barber I can only say he was at the top of his trade, always a perfect cut. Enjoyed his conversations we had on everything. Will miss him, he was one of a kind.

Tammy Robles-Palkman

March 2, 2011

Dear Family & Friends of Ernie:

On behalf of Michael's Cafe in Cathedral City, please accept our most sincere condolences. Ernie spoke of his family often- He loved you all so very much.

I know everyone always says: "Ernie was such a nice man...etc" but ya know what? He really was a kind, generous and gentle man. The world lost a beautiful soul on February 22, 2011- But now Ernie is at peace and surrounded by love.

We are truly going to miss him.

PS. Ernie... I'll kiss Ryilee for you when I see her.

Ron Grueskin

March 2, 2011

Ernie was my barber for the past few years. We had lots of laughs together, as he told me his stories; and I told him mine. He was a gentle man and was skilled at his trade. I always looked forward to my appointments with him and always felt better when I left than when I arrived. It is hard to accept the fact that he is gone. I will miss him.
Ron Grueskin

March 2, 2011

Ernie was my friend and my barber for 34 years. He always had a kind word for his family and friends. If Ernie liked you, you would be his friend for life. Occasionally we would play golf, and he played as bad as I do, but that never took away from a great outing with a great guy. I will miss his humor, his caring and the exacting standards of his haircuts. Rest in peace my good friend.
Tom Lynch

March 2, 2011

Ernie was the consumate gentleman. He leaves us with many wonderful memories of times spent at car shows or the barber shop. I miss him.

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