Valerie Ann Ortega

On August 21, 2021 Valerie Ann Ortega passed peacefully surrounded by family after battling breast cancer for 18 years. Valerie had an amazing spirit and attitude and always made everyone feel welcomed and loved. Valerie was born in Tulare, Ca on December 11, 1955 to the late Paul and Mary Ramirez. After she graduated from Tulare Western High School she attended the College of the Sequoias in Visalia where she met her husband of 43 years. Valeria and Raul Ortega married on August 26, 1978 and in 1981 started their family in Visalia, CA. They had two children Isaac Ortega and Breanna Ortega. Valerie loved being a mom and having kids so much she became a pre-school teacher for Tulare County School District for over 20 years. There she was able to give her time and love to help these young minds grow and flourish. Valerie had such an impression on her children throughout the years that many kept in contact with her through their high school years. Valerie not only took joy in teaching but also provided for her less fortunate children by donating clothes and shoes to them and their families. Her love for them ran so deep that she would take Christmas trees and gifts to families who were not able to provide this for themselves. After Valerie retired from Tulare County School District, her grandson Apaulo Ortega-Brunner came into her life and she was able to be the grandma she always wanted to be. Valerie was not only an amazing teacher and grandma, she also was extremely creative and participated in many crafts shows with her mom Mary Ramirez, and even for a couple of years held a craft show in her home in Visalia, Ca. She not only expressed her creativity through crafts but also by her love of interior decorating and sewing. Valerie poured her heart into everything that she did in life. Everyone will always remember her laugh and most of all her beautiful smile. Valerie is survived by her Husband Raul Ortega, two children Breanna and Isaac Ortega, grandson Apaulo Ortega-Brunner, brother Paul Bernard Ramirez, and her sister Melissa Areias. Serives will be held at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E Caldwell Ave Visalia, CA 93277 on September 11, 2021 at 10 am. Everyone is welcomed to come celebrate the beautiful life Valerie Ann Ortega.

Valerie Ann Ortega

December 11, 1955 - August 21, 2021