Kirtley "Kirt" Ortego, Sr.

Krotz Springs – A Mass of Christian Burial for Kirtley Joseph Ortego, Sr will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Krotz Springs.  Rev. Fr. Michael DeBlanc will be the Celebrant of the funeral Mass. Rite of Committal and interment will follow in the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Krotz Springs.

Kirtley, known to many as “Kirt”, was a native of Whiteville, LA, and was a longtime resident of Krotz Springs. He passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at the Opelousas General Health System.  He was a U. S. Navy Veteran who served his country during the Vietnam Era.  He was a past member of the VFW of Krotz Springs and was currently a member of the Veterans Coffee Break Group of Krotz Springs.  He was active in fellowship with his friends and family who met at the Krotz Springs Community Center for the monthly Senior Citizen Events and the “Old Folks” Meetings.

He was a carpenter, pyle driver, and heavy construction worker who had done many projects over the years.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors as an avid deer and squirrel hunter, fishing as a pastime, and camping at his Hunting Camp.  He had such a great love for his family.  He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, making his garden, and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a longtime parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, prayed his Rosary several times a day, and a devout Catholic who attended Mass regularly as he could.

Kirtley will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him and loved him.

The family requests that visitation be observed on Friday, June 10, 2022, from 11:00 AM until 8:00 p.m. at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home in Krotz Springs.  The recitation of the Rosary will be at 6:00 PM on Friday evening in the funeral home. On Saturday, visitation will continue from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Eloise C. Ortego of Krotz Springs; three sons, Kenneth Ortego and wife, Virginia; Kevin Ortego, and Kirtley “Jay” Ortego II and wife, Krystal all of Krotz Springs; one brother, Francis Ortego of Krotz Springs; five grandchildren: Holly Ortego, Nikki Perrault and husband, Hunter; Mallory Fontenot and husband, Chris; Jayce Ortego and fiancé, Gracey Leonards; and Anthony Ortego; four great-grandchildren, Remi Mires, Landen Fontenot, Brynn Perrault, and Nash Perrault.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Joseph Ortego and Weveley Elizabeth Soileau Ortego; sister, Joyce Ortego, and two brothers, Leroy “Bud” Ortego and Gilbert “Junior” Ortego, Jr.

Pallbearers will be Kenneth Ortego, Kevin Ortego, Kirtley “Jay” Ortego II, Oliver Coulon, Jayce Ortego, and Anthony Ortego.  Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Fontenot, Hunter Perrault, and Robert Ortego.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his memory.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Krotz Springs, 239 8th Avenue, Krotz Springs, LA (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.