Michael Ryan Ortega (Anetâheveoo’e “Stands Different”) was called home suddenly in the early morning hours on August 30 2012 in a one car accident north of Colstrip.
Michael Ryan Ortega was born prematurely to Damson and Stella Ortega on May 19, 1986 in Denver, Colorado weighing in at a whopping 1lb 13oz. Despite his small demeanor growing up Mikey had a personality that could light up a room. Mikey was raised in Denver Colorado where he attended elementary school at Valley View, middle school at John Dewey and graduated from Skyview High school in 2005. He participated in pee wee football, tae kwon do, and little league baseball during his elementary years and played football during his middle school years. He also enjoyed fishing with his dad and brother whenever he could. Every summer Mikey and his family would make the seven hour drive to visit their Montana family for a couple weeks. He would stay with his Gramma Mokee and Grampa Charles. He loved to spend time with his Uncle Pascal with whom he shared many of the same interests. Mikey also had adventures hunting with his little brother Dominic and uncles Eric, Ivey, and Clayton. He enjoyed getting into trouble with his brother Dominic and cousins Kitty and Wonky in Gramma’s backyard. Family get togethers were always a good time for him to show off his dance moves with his auntie Janelle, many of which were played out at Grampa Emmett’s house.
After graduating Mikey worked a variety of odd jobs, his most recent, being a spotter for the Greenfield Logistics Company in Los Alamos NM with his dad and brother. He was a hard worker and enjoyed keeping busy in life. Mikey was very close to his mom, Stella who he loved spoiling along with his little sister Chloe in his spare time. Mikey was a very handsome young man and embraced it by “sculpting his guns” as he called it and shopping for clothes. He enjoyed fast cars and driving anywhere, even if it was only uptown.
Mikey was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 21, but he never let that stop him from enjoying good spicy food. You wouldn’t know it by his appearance but Mikey loved to eat, especially home cooked meals by his mom and auntie Brenda. He loved to bbq and would use any excuse for the family to get together and have a meal. Mikey loved being the center of attention and always enjoyed making everybody laugh whether by teasing or telling stories. You never knew what to expect when Mikey was around, he could bust out singing at any moment, and in any style he wished without notice. He was a remarkable and likeable young man and wasn’t afraid to say ‘I love you’. Mikey had an easygoing personality and always made time to visit and see what you were up to. He loved his family and friends very much and never hesitated to help out. He loved to be a big brother to his siblings and cousins especially baby Cedar, whom he taught numerous ninja and cool dance moves this summer. Mikey was very genuine and made a positive impact on whomever he came in contact with. He was proud of his Northern Cheyenne heritage and respected the traditional ways of our people.
He was very memorable to everyone he met and will be greatly missed.
Michael was preceded in death by his Grandma and Grandpa Ortega, his auntie gummy Katherine Shoulderblade, uncle Maynard Timber and aunties Raquel Timber, Vincynthia Shoulderblade, and younger cousin Natalie Rose all welcomed him home. Mikey leaves behind his mother Stella, and father Damson, younger sister Chloe and younger brother Dominic Ortega all of Colstrip MT, older brothers Damson Ortega III and Mario Ortega of Denver CO. Maternal grandparents Marcelline and Charles Littleoldman of Lame Deer, Emmett and Maybelline Timber of Muddy Cluster. Uncles Eric(Brenda) Timber, Ivey (Barb) Timber, Park(Sheri) Timber,Pascal Shoulderblade, Clayton Whiteman, Michael Ortega of Denver… Aunties Janelle(Brian) Jones, Misty Timber, Maria Shoulderblade, Tina Littleoldman, Charlene Littleoldman, and Lori; his best friends Lucas Gomez, Tyler Hamm…He is also survived by several aunties, uncles, cousins and friends too numerous to name.
Lisa Old Mouse says
Praying for strength and comfort during this difficult time for family and friends.
Creator,
I ask that you walk with the Ortega (Timber) family during this difficult time, I ask that your peaceful presence be with them in the days and weeks ahead. May they find comfort as they remember the happy memories they shared with their son, Michael.
Terry says
Stellla and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Michael. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Michael, as all of your children are was a very polite and awesome person. He will definitely be missed by all that knew him.
God bless you all.
Faye Ellen says
Stella… I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your son. Sending my hugs, my prayers to you and all your loved ones at this time. Carrying you all close to my heart that Maheo may grant each of you comfort/strength and know He is with each one of you every step of the way. My Love Always, Faye Ellen
Denise Swank says
auntie and family: I am so sorry to have heard about Michael, he was such a sweet young man. I cant make it home, I wish I could be there for you: I love you all, and I am praying for you all. Your loss is our loss and our tears and hurt is with you, together we can stand together and make it through the difficult time. Ma’ he’ eo will protect you all and comfort you in his loving arms. Take Care.
Kimberly says
So sorry about your loss. Our parayers are with your family at this diffcult time. Michael will be missed by all who knew him. Gob Bless and Take Care.
Jessica Lucero says
Mike, I am so saddened that you have left so soon. I will miss our late night talks, your charming personality, your warm smile, reminiscing on your high school prom, you jumping into my family picture last minute (thank you). I will miss when you and Tyler always found yourselves when you knew I needed a friend the most! You have impacted my life in so many ways; nothing but for the good. I have many pictures of us that I will treasure forever. I will miss you Mike….please continue to look after your family and I. Shine bright down on us like we all know you can. May you rest in piece and may your family find comfort in the wonderful memories. Love you Mike!
Cedar Shoulderblade says
To my big brother Mikey, love you always and thank you for the good memories the dance lessons and ninja classes. Thank you for all you did, gonna miss you but i will love you more!
Charmayne, Adam & Family says
Michael you will Always be missed and remember! All them good times we’ve shared, I will never forget you! God has brought home a Handsome, intelligent, funny, good spirit man. Cousin I Love You! You will Always live in our hearts. Journey with God now, We Love You. Our Hearts & Prayers goes to Our Wonderful Aunt Stella & Uncle Eddie, Our Cousins; Handsome Dominic & Beautiful Chloe. Love You’s all
Arlene Bixby & Matthew Franz says
The years we’ve shared have been full of joy.
The memories we’ve made will go on and on.
I haven’t stopped crying since you went away,
and I’ve asked God time and time why couldn’t you stay.
You lit up my life, my hopes, and my dreams.
You’ve opened my eyes to see what it all means.
So now that you’re gone how can I forget;
Because you were the greatest out of all I have met.
We’re going to miss you Michael (Mikey), my cousin, my friend! I’ll always remember our conversations, texts and fun times hanging out. I’ll always love you guy, soon we’ll meet again.
Little Jennifer and Family says
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Aunt Stella and Uncle Eddie,Cloe and Dominic! We know now that Micheal is one of our beauitful angels up in heaven watching down on us all. May God be with you in your time of saddness. Love Lil Jennifer-Daughter of LynnRoss Bixby!
gwenette and family says
Aunt Stella and uncle Eddie I am so sorry for your loss,he was taken home so sudden. He is in heaven looked down spawn us, and wacthing over you and the family. One day soon we will all meet again. Love you guys my prayers are with you and the family.
sending our love and prayers
Gwenette,Jonathon, and baby adelia
ruby ulibarri says
So sorry for the lost of a goo ed friend and a cool buddy u will always be missed myfriend always in ny thougjhs and prayers may all your family be blessed
Diane Beartusk; Spotted Elk & Family says
Here thinking of you (stella) and Family, May Maheo comfort and strengthen you in the days to come. Continued prayer of peace.
Adrianne Jaure says
My deepest condolences go out to the Ortega family. I met Michael, through a good friend, this past year. The short time that I had the opportunity to be around Micheal, he was always smiling and was a joy to be around. My prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Willow says
My Friend, Stella & Family: My condolences and “May the lord bring you all peace and comfort at this time”
Jeremy Burr says
Love you little brother