Alfonso “Ponch” Ortega Jr., age 51, of Laton, passed away on June 24th, 2023 after a battle with stage four lung cancer. Alfonso fought hard for his family and friends and showed courage and bravery in his arduous battle with cancer.
Alfonso was born on July 16th, 1971 to Alfonso Ortega and Yolanda Luna in Fresno. He was raised in Laton, alongside his sister Lupe. After Alfonso graduated from Laton High School in 1989, he went on to work for BNSF Railroad for 27 years, where he became a beloved member of the BNSF community. Alfonso worked hard for many years at BNSF, constantly traveling and sacrificing time with his loved ones in order to provide them with a better life.
In 1996, Alfonso married Ana Meza Gomez in Ameca, Jalisco. Alfonso and Ana went on to have 3 children, Adan, Ashley and Andres. One request that Alfonso had was for all of his children to have names with an A, so that every family member could have the same initials. Alfonso loved his family dearly and made sure they were always taken care of.
Alfonso was a beloved member of the Laton community, always spotted at a variety of Laton High School sporting events. He was a dedicated fan of the Las Vegas Raiders. He was the ultimate family man, always seen manning the grill and playing a litany of games with the family.
Although he is now gone, Alfonso’s great legacy lives on through his loved ones. The Ortega family and its extended family members would love for you all to join us in celebrating the life of a man who was caring, funny, competitive, and unique. A viewing will be held at People’s Funeral Chapel in Hanford, CA on July 5th from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a rosary occuring at 6:00 PM. Mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Laton, CA at 10:00 AM on July 6th. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Laton, CA at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception at the Laton Lions Hall at 12 PM. There will be food and refreshments available at the reception. Please join us in celebrating the life of Alfonso “Ponch” Ortega Jr.
