Edna Bernadine Ortega was called to join her heavenly father on January 9, 2014. She was born on Dec. 22, 1925 in Peoria, IL the daughter of Charles and Anna Elizabeth (Oliver) Swearinger.

Edna was united in marriage to Jose Ortega in 1945, who preceded her in death. During their marriage they were blessed with 12 children. She worked as a cashier and in the laundry industry for many years. They made many lifelong friends and an abundance of family.

Edna enjoyed being surrounded by her loved ones and loved to cook. She was known for her Sunday dinners and the whole family would attend along with friends and neighbors; if you were not a part of the family you were by the time you left. Edna retired in 1989 and moved to Cabool in 1990 with her husband, Jose. She enjoyed her retirement and loved living Missouri. This didn't stop her cooking Sunday dinners or being surrounded by her loved ones.

She leaves behind 11 children, Phil Ortega of Gainesville, MO, Josie Adams and husband, Kenny of Pekin, IL, Chuck Swearinger and wife, Judy of Airagon, GA, John Swearinger and wife, Deb of Peoria, IL, Joe Ortega and wife, Pat of Peoria, IL, Antia Callear of Peoria, IL, Delores DeFrain and husband, Blaine of Woodland, IL, Maria Perry and husband, Dave of Streeter, IL, Terri Kennedy and husband, Ed of Mtn. Grove, MO, Stanley Ortega and wife, Cindy of Cabool, MO and Chris Norris of Peoria, IL; many, many, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Edna was deeply loved and will be greatly missed; she will live on in our hearts forever.