Esther R. Ortega, 74, of Claremont, died Sunday, July 29, 2012 at her granddaughter's home in Claremont. She was born July 22, 1938 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico the daughter of Felipe and Leonor (Salas) Rosales. Esther met Regino Ortega in Edenburg, Texas in 1958 and later moved to Plainview, Texas. In 1984, they moved to Claremont, Minnesota. Regino and Esther have been together for fifty-four years and were married February 14, 2006. She was employed at Owatonna Migrant School for over 24 years, as a teacher assistant. Esther was a homemaker, and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also loved to cook, enjoyed cleaning and crocheting. She also had a love for flowers. She will be most remembered for her awesome Sunday breakfasts. Most recently she enjoyed going out to eat at Famous Dave's and to the casino. She is survived by her husband, Regino Ortega Sr. of Claremont; eight children, Julia (and Gilbert) Lara of Plainview, TX, Regino Jr. (and Maria) Ortega of Dodge Center, MN, Janie (and Erasmo) Estrada of Plainview TX, Odilia (and Jose) Casarez of Plainview, TX, Eva Gayosso of Claremont, MN, Rebecca 'Becky' (and Marcello) Bermea of Claremont, MN, Arthur (and Kim Klepetka) Ortega of Owatonna, and Desenia Garcia of Claremont, MN; thirty-one grandchildren; fifty-nine great grandchildren; four sisters and one brother all of Mexico, and her beloved Chihuahua, Gizmo. She was preceded in death by her parents, and son-in-law, Arnulfo Bermea. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM . A rosary service will be held 4:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Thurday, August 2, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Kurt Farrell officiating. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna. Visitation: 08/01/2012 16:00 08/01/2012 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church 08/02/2012 11:00