Karen Ortega

Karen Louise Harding Ortega

Age 77, of Vandalia, passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

Karen was born October 4, 1941 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Robert & Ann Louise (Bullion) Harding. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, John Ortega; son, Anthony Deters; sisters, Gail Fader and Julie DeWeese.

Karen attended Julienne Catholic High School. She received a nursing education through St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Karen worked for many years for the City of Dayton at the Dayton International Airport in the Department of Aviation. In addition to working at the airport, she also spent many years working at the Dayton Air Show (later becoming the United States Air and Trade Show) as the Ticket Manager and in various volunteer positions. She also volunteered her time with the Vandalia Butler Historical Society. Other activities include volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, Mexico Club & The World Affair International Festival; The Sequential and Pioneer Days. In 1993, she and her husband John Ortega, were honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Presidents Club of Vandalia Butler.

Karen was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church for over 30 years. As a parishioner, she served on the Bereavement Committee and the Christ Renews His Parish Program. She was also a Eucharistic Minister and Mass Coordinator for many years.

Karen is survived by her daughters, Teresa Eads & her husband, Robert, Julia Maurer & her husband, Joel, Jennifer Castellano & her husband Joseph; brothers, John (Becky) Harding, Richard (Deborah) Harding and Billy Harding (Gene Pool); sister; Valerie (Tom) Schmitz; five grandchildren, Wesley & Olivia Eads, Natalie Maurer, Joseph & Sophia Castellano; and by numerous nieces & nephews, extended family and many good friends.

The family will be receiving friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 25 at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S Dixie Dr., Vandalia, Ohio 45377.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. John Tonkin at 11 a.m., Saturday January 26, 2019 at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 435 E. National Road, Vandalia, Ohio 45377.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in memory of Karen to either St. Christopher Catholic Church or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950 (www.stjude.org/donate).