Regina “Gina” Ortega Whiteaker, 91, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend passed peacefully, and went to heaven on Oct. 25, 2024. She was born on Sept. 20, 1933, in Holbrook to Isadora “Dora” Garcia and Tomas Ortega Sr. Gina was raised and spent most of her life in Arizona, except several years in Golden, Colo. Gina was married to Ted Gallegos, Ray Padia and Johnny Whiteaker, all deceased.
She was one of four girls who were raised in Holbrook by their commercial sheep rancher and businessman father, and mother. She attended schools in Holbrook and waitressed at what is now called the historical restaurants of Holbrook. She then moved to Golden, Colo., in 1962 because her spouse, Ray worked and retired with the Coors Beer Company.
After moving back to her home state, Gina worked for Ortega Indian Arts in Scottsdale and in Paradise Valley. She loved to work and meet new people. Others gravitated to her because she was so friendly and always smiling.
She was a member of the Catholic Church. She enjoyed reading, working, family events and most of all, visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by three children, Darlene Brinkerhoff (Terry) of Holbrook, Donna Rae and Antonio (Tony) Padilla of Phoenix; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her siblings, Ann Moya (Pat) of Tempe and Margie Gunnels (Sam) of Dewey.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Christopher and Edward Gallegos; her mother, Isadora Garcia; father, Tomas Ortega Sr.; six sisters, Della Ortega, Pauline Baca, Julia Aragon, Aurelia Baca, Arsenia Bezunartes and Regina Candelaria; and eight brothers, Fernandez, Liberato, Desiderio Smith, Santos, Tomas Jose Leon, Maximilano and Antonio (Tom) Ortega.
Gina was an amazing person with a remarkable life; she has made a difference in so many people’s lives. We are grateful that she was a part of our family and we are very fortunate to have had her presence for so many years. But now she is in a better place with the angels, without pain and sorrow. We shall meet her again someday.
Regina courageously fought her battle with Alzheimer’s, so in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in her name to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation at 20901 N. Central Ave., Ste. 160, Phoenix, Ariz. 85021 928-820-8083.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road in Scottsdale.
