Carol Ortega

My Life’s Story, what an Adventure!

Carol Pearl (Judd) Ortega, formerly of Ontario & Payette, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Meridian, ID.

Carol was born on December 24, 1933 in Annex, OR. the daughter of E.O. Judd & Pearl Judd. She was their 6th child, soon to be one of 7 with 3 half-sisters eventually to follow after her parents’ divorce as a young child. Carol and her 6 siblings were raised in Weiser, ID with their Mother. Carol was active in school cheerleading, pep club, and was a life guard at the Weiser swimming pool. The “Judd” family was a very close family in youth and adulthood raising their children to be of same, sharing as many family get togethers as possible! Most notably, were the 3 “Judd Family” waterfront cabins at Cascade Lake where Special Memories were made!

At age 13, Carol met Ralph W. Oster (Payette) at the Weiser roller skating rink, he was 5 years older, she was star-struck. They eventually married in 1951 when she was 17. Together Ralph & Carol had 2 daughters, Karen & Peggy. They raised their daughters on the Oster fruit ranch as 3rd generation fruit farmers. Hard work, no vacations, their pride of ownership prevailed. Carol also kept beautiful flower gardens, which was to be her passion. Carol also worked at the Payette Valley Fruit Co. when season required packing, boxing, shipping the Co-op’s Apples, Prunes & Plums (including the Oster’s). Ralph & Carol made many friends often playing pinochle, & going to dances at the Elks. They too shared many good times with the extended Oster family. As life’s journeys can change after 20 years, she & Ralph divorced in 1971. Karen had graduated H.S., Peggy wouldn’t be too far after.

Carol met and married John L. Ortega. They moved to WY., CA. & eventually back to Payette. Soon Carol started her 22-year career working retail at Ontario’s Bi-Mart. Together, John & Carol made many friends, enjoying family time with the Ortega family often playing cards, guitars, just having fun! John & Carol were married 31 years, divorcing in 2003. After their divorce, Carol bought her own home, surrounding it with her beautiful flowers! Then, the feral cats came begging someone would open their heart with compassion and feed them. That was Carol! Soon 3 cats became a dozen! You see she lived in a mobile home park where no one at the park were responsible for their pets! Family members chided her as being the “cat lady”, when actually she was just being her true natured self… loving, big hearted & as she was a friend to all, this included her beloved (mobile park feral) cats!

During her Bi-Mart retirement years Carol became very involved in both the Ontario & Payette Senior Centers. She enjoyed her newly made friends. She and a couple of her gal pals went on adventurous travels. Carol also met, dated a couple gentlemen which she enjoyed their company very much, spending quality time together in companionship, traveling & dancing of course! She volunteered at the Senior Centers, doing whatever was needed. Carol’s love of dancing included sometimes up to 5 nights a week, until age 89!

Carol has always been Young at Heart! At 89, her health took a decline, having to sell her home, moved in with her daughter Karen (& Dana) for 3 months until Grace Assisted Living Center in Meridian (close to her 2 daughter’s homes), an apartment became available, where she could interact with peers once again & gain her independence that she so loved! Carol made good friends there. She also enjoyed the staff, as she would often tease & offer any candy she had to share. I might add at this juncture, this is so True to Carol’s nature as she was an extremely loving Sister, Aunt, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother & Friend! She LOVED her Family & Friends as they were the Energy that kept her Ticking!!

Carol was a magnet that Family & Friends were always drawn to! She had open arms & heart. She would do whatever she could for anyone! Her generosity knew no bounds!

Carol was proceeded in death by both her parents, E.O. Judd, Pearl Judd Reitz, her brothers E.D. Judd, Harold Judd, Sisters Hazel Robinson, Rosalie Nelson, Marilyn Ennis, as well as Carol’s 1st husband, Ralph W. Oster.

Carol is survived by: daughter Karen (Dana) Oster, Grandson Jerry (Nikki) Cuoio, Great Grandson Vincent Cuoio, Granddaughter Cheri (Eric) Mattson, Great Grandsons Nicholas & Benjamin Mattson, daughter Peggy (Carlo) Fenicottero, Granddaughter Cari Fenicottero & Granddaughter Katrina “Katelynn” (as Grandma Carol nicknamed her) Fenicottero & Shelly Robinson. Carol is also survived by her sister Bonnie McMullen, many nieces and nephews, and her half-sisters Glenda Solders, Virginia Richardson, Karen (Rick) Hardcastle.

+ Funeral Service will be held at Haren-Wood Chapel in Payette, Friday January 17th @ 1:00 pm with viewing.

+ Graveside Service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Payette @ 2:00 pm.

Carol Pearl lived 91 years enjoying work, traveling adventures & dancing! Most of all, her Loving Family & many Friends!

Carol’s Family THANKS You for honoring her at your presence here today & having enriched her Life!

We also wish to Thank the staff at Grace Assisted Living in Meridian, St. Luke’s Hospice, all who were very kind to our Mother!

Today, we won’t say “Goodbye” rather, we’ll say:

~ I Love You to the Moon & Back… (her favorite saying to us)

we will see you again, one day!