With hearts that are deeply saddened, yet anchored in the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we celebrate the life of Minnie Criado Ortega, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished Meemaw, faithful sister, and dear friend. Although we grieve her absence, we rejoice knowing that her hope was never in herself, but in the finished work of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Minnie was born in Hondo, Texas, on May 15, 1943, to Jose Criado and Lily Sauceda Criado. Growing up in a migrant working family, she learned the value of hard work, sacrifice, and putting others before herself. Those early years shaped the woman she became—a woman known for her strength, generosity, and love for others.

On November 11, 1966, Minnie married the love of her life, Homer Ortega. Together they built a home filled with faith, trust, laughter, and unconditional love. God blessed their marriage with four children: Neomi Calderon of Fresno, CA, Deetra (Mike) Staton of The Villages, FL, Homer Ortega III of Lubbock, TX, and Samuel (Delia) Ortega of Shallowater, TX. Their home was a place of welcome, where there was always room at the table and love to share.

Minnie’s faith in Christ was genuine. She did not simply speak about the love of Jesus, she lived it. She understood that salvation is through faith in Christ alone, and because she had been loved by Christ, she joyfully loved others.

Minnie loved God’s creation, working in her garden, tending her roses and wildflowers, caring for animals, and teaching her children and grandchildren the blessing of honest work. She loved worshiping with her church family and singing praises to the Lord, whether at church, in the kitchen, or outdoors.

Her greatest joy was being “Meemaw.” She loved her grandchildren deeply, praying for them, celebrating them, and creating lasting memories with Zachari, Emilio, Lauren, Victoria, Emily, Felicity, Madalyn, Sebastian, Jodi, Devin, Kai, Jackie, Jacobee, Joseph (Jr.), Patricia, and Elizabeth.

Minnie is lovingly survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Homer Ortega; her children, her grandchildren; and her siblings, Eduardo Criado of Amarillo, TX, Mary Esther Gomez, Pedro Criado, Manuel Criado, Janie Ayala of Post, TX, Gloria Pacheco of Grand Prairie, TX and Jose Criado of Lubbock. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were richly blessed by her love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Criado and Lillie Salceda Criado; her brothers, Julio Criado and Samuel Criado; and her sisters, Trine Reyes, Carmen Soto, and Guadalupe Ortega.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Venue on Broadway with a prayer service starting at 6:00 pm. Services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Friday, July 24, 2026 at Ministerios Nueva Vida with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Though Minnie will be deeply missed, we grieve with hope, knowing that Christ has prepared a place for His people. What Minnie believed by faith, she now sees by sight. She is with her Savior, free from pain and sorrow, rejoicing in His presence.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” — 1 Peter 1:3