Rafael Cruz Ortega, age 74 of Grand Prairie, passed away on July 26, 2022. He was born on October 24, 1947, in Mexico City, Mexico, the son of Gabriel Medina Ortega and Juana Cruz. Rafael married Rosie Murillo and they celebrated 46 years of marriage together.
Rafael proudly served in the US Air Force and continued his service to his community by serving as an officer for the Dallas Police Department from 1971 – 2000. Rafael was a talented artist, who loved to sketch and draw. He also enjoyed traveling, singing, dancing, and listening to music. Rafael loved to create things with his hands – including working on cars and remodeling homes. Rafael truly had a heart of gold and loved to help others through many volunteer services and donations.
Rafael is survived by his wife, Rosie; his children Sandra Hill, Johann Ortega, Rafael Ortega and wife Esther, and Shawn Ortega; 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; his mother Juana Lopez; siblings Jorge Ortega and wife Mary, Carmela Lara and husband Joe, Mario Ortega and wife Nadia, Linda Aviles and husband Tony, Arturo Ortega, and Elizabeth Gonzalez and husband Luis. Rafael was preceded in death by his father Gabriel M. Ortega and brother Gabriel Ortega.
A celebration of Rafael’s life will be at 2:00PM on Friday, August 12, 2022, at Bean Massey Burge Funeral Home, Grand Prairie. Memorial contributions may be made in Rafael’s honor to the following organizations: Habitat for Humanity, Texas Transplant Society, or the American Diabetes Association.
Family and friends are invited and encouraged to share fond memories and express sympathy to the family of Rafael Cruz Ortega at www.beanmasseyburge.com.
