"Everything Happens For a Reason"

Laura Ortega
1971 - 2003

We at 10-4 were saddened to hear the news that Laura Ortega, the young wife of Robert Ortega, passed away on November 21st after complications from a “routine” medical procedure. As you may recall, Robert and his trucking company (D & D Express) were featured in an article called “Road to Success” (December 2003) in which his wife was mentioned. Laura, Robert’s wife of four years, helped out with the company’s accounting and record keeping. Robert was proud to have helped her fulfill one of her lifelong dreams - to be a stay-at-home mom and devote her life to her family. Laura was born in Monterrey, Mexico and came to the United States with her mother and stepfather in search of the “American dream”. She was a dedicated mother and a loving wife. Robert described her by saying, “She was my rock and my best friend - she always provided me with a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen.” Thanks to a strong faith base, Robert and their children are comforted by the fact that Laura is still watching over them - only now it’s from above. Laid to rest at Forest Lawn in Covina, California on November 26th, Laura leaves behind her husband Robert, her daughter Elizabeth and son Alex, and her stepson Adam, along with many other grieving family members and friends. Laura was known for saying, “Everything happens for a reason,” so that phrase was inscribed on her urn. As mere mortal human beings, it’s hard for us to understand and accept that phrase, but Laura firmly believed it and now, surely, fully understands it too. Our sympathies go out to the entire Ortega family.