Hortensia Celaya, 82, of Fort Stockton passed away on August 15 in Fort Stockton.

Prayer service for Hortensia will be held at 7 p.m. on August 16 at Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend, 301 N. Main St., Fort Stockton. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on August 17 at Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend with Hermano Alvaro Navarrette of Iglesia del Dios Vivo officiating. Burial will follow at East Hill Cemetery in Fort Stockton.

Hortensia was born in Alpine on March 15, 1942, to Gustavo and Ysidra Portillo. She married Castulo Celaya of Marathon on June 12, 1958, in Alpine. In the early years of their marriage, they traveled back and forth from Texas to Arizona for fieldwork. During these years, she started a family that would continue to grow, not only in number but also in love. Once they settled in Fort Stockton, she began working as a caregiver for both children and the elderly. She loved and welcomed all. Her home was open to everyone, and she became

“Mom,” “Grandma,” and even “Memo” to the many who entered. She listened, gave advice, and shared the power of having the Lord in our lives. “I’m praying for you.” “Leave it in the Lord’s hands.” “The Lord never gives you more than you can handle.” These words of comfort and her faith are what truly defined her. Her family was her greatest source of joy. Each one of them knew how deeply they were loved. Family was everything to her.

Hortensia is preceded in death by her husband Castulo Celaya, daughters Marcela Moya and Anna Celaya, son Castulo Celaya Jr., granddaughter Gabriella Allyse Rodriguez, great-grandson Ezekiel Nathaniel Gonzalez, and sisters Celia Coronado and Luciana Leyva.

She is survived by daughter Teresa Celaya, Willie (Lilia) Celaya, Rosa (Lupe) Lara, Janie Celaya and Steve Amaya, Lupita Celaya, Ricardo (Amanda) Celaya, Christina Celaya, Timothy Salyers, Amanda Celaya, sisters Mage Ybarra, Esequia Flores, Cora Muniz, Flora Leyva, and Celica Liberman, and brothers Peter Portillo, and Gustavo Portillo, Jr.

Pallbearers will be Willie Celaya, Ricardo Celaya, Joseph Celaya, Justin Porter, Lupe Lara, Steve Amaya, Frank Coronado, Jesus Olivas, Jonathan Portillo, and Bobby Coronado.

The family of Hortensia wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the many prayers, words, and acts of love we have received. And to PCMH Hospice: Courtney, Krisha, Elva, and Michelle, from the bottom of our hearts, we love you and thank you!

Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of the Big Bend in Fort Stockton. If you want to send your condolences to the family, you may sign the guestbook at www. heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com.