Cleto Ortega Jr., age 88, from Rio Hondo TX, passed away Sunday, July 24, 2022 in the comfort of his own home. Cleto was a hardworking man who always provided for his family. He enjoyed being outdoors taking care of his horses and goats. He enjoyed planting squash in his garden at home. In his early years he enjoyed fishing, coyote hunting, dancing and socializing with his friends. Mostly, he enjoyed being surrounded by his family as they barbecued and played some of his favorite music; his personal favorite was “La Mesera” by Gilberto Perez ft. Pepe Maldonado. Welcoming him to Heaven are his parents, Cleto Ortega Sr. and Victoria Ortega; brothers Lazaro Ortega, Raul Ortega, Pedro Ortega, Amadeo Ortega, Tomas Ortega, and Luis Ortega; daughter, Norma Ortega, and grandson, Juan Antonio Cerda. He is survived by his wife Angelita Ortega; siblings, Fidel (Juana) Ortega, Ismael (Lola) Ortega, Esmeralda (Juan) Ramos and Victoria Ortega; daughters: Nora (Victorio) Cerda, Sofia (Noe) Ortega, and Sulema (Thomas Rivera) Ortega; 8 grandchildren: Victor Noel (Crystal) Cerda, Pearl R. (Juan) Hernandez, Conrad (Lorraine) Rodriguez III, Justin Cerda, Cassandra (Salvador) Sosa, Alexandra (Daniel) Sosa, Edward (Nereida) Sosa, and Shanaya Villarreal as well as 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation for Cleto will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, TX. A Chapel Service will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022, 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Las Yescas Cemetery at 11:00 am. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Conrad Rodriguez III, Justin Cerda, Eduard Sosa, Victor Noel Cerda, Eddie Ortega and Daniel Ortega. The family would like to express their thanks and gratitude for the wonderful help and care given to Cleto by his wife Angelita Ortega Sofia Ortega, Conrad Rodriguez III, and Kindred Hospice in Harlingen, Texas. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Cleto Ortega, Jr. at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston, Blvd., San Benito, TX 78586.