Rita Fern Ortega, age 66 of Valparaiso passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023 at home. She was born on October 18, 1956 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia to the late Tommy and Edith Lyons. Rita will always be remembered as a loving wife and grandmother. She dedicated her life to taking care of her family and loved cooking for them. Her greatest joy in life was helping to raise her beloved grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Ortega; son, Eddie Bickett, Jr.; daughters, Amber Ortega, Starrmarie (Christopher) Gruver; grandchildren, Rita and Gabriel Baker-Ortega; brothers, Billy (Bonnie) Lyons, David (Crystal) Lyons; and sister, Mary Lyons.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tommy and Edith Lyons.

A funeral service for Rita will take place Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Brady Chapel, 3781 Central Ave., Lake Station. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. For more information, please call (219) 962-1606. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .