Donnie Sue Ortego, 84, of DeQuincy, Louisiana, passed from this life on May 19, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Donnie was born on January 7, 1941, in DeQuincy to Ed and Dovie Yellott. She graduated from DeQuincy High School in 1958 and, shortly thereafter, married the love of her life, Russell Ortego, on June 7, 1958.

In 1966, Donnie and Russell moved with their children to Grand Isle Louisiana, where she met a dear friend and began praying for a church. In answer to their prayers, God sent Rev. W.W. Smith to start an apostolic church. Donnie served faithfully, playing the organ and singing during services.

Around 1986, Donnie and Russell started Donnie's Tamales, a beloved local business they operated for over 36 years. For a time, they also ran Donnie's Family Restaurant in DeQuincy.

Donnie had a lifelong passion for music. She sang with the Happy Carlisle Band and loved playing the accordion, organ, and guitar. One of her cherished traditions was singing "Happy Birthday" to each of her children every year.

A lover of simple joys, Donnie collected rocks from different states, adored flowers and wind chimes, and enjoyed capturing memories through photography. She was deeply devoted to her church and her Pastor and wife, Bro. and Sis. Jackson. In earlier years, she found great joy in working with children in Sunday School and helping kids on the quiz team.

Donnie never met a stranger-her warm heart and kind spirit made everyone feel welcome. She touched countless lives with her generosity and grace.

She is survived by her loving children, Eddie Ortego, Tammy Smith and husband Rev. Kenneth Smith, and Tina Bowman and husband Joseph; grandchildren, April Hamilton and husband Tomas, Rev. Kenny Smith and wife Beth, Dustin Ortego and wife Autumn, Colton Ortego, Josey Holley, Hannah Adkins and husband Braedyn, and Jeffery Paris; 10 great grandchildren and 2 on the way.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Russell Ortego; her parents, Ed and Dovie Yellott; her sisters, Betty Lou Yellott, Eddie Lee Yellott, and Alberta Miller; and her great grandson, William Smith.

Donnie's legacy of faith, music, and love will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with the funeral service being held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at First United Pentecostal Church, DeQuincy, Louisiana. Pastor Carlton Jackson, Jr. will be officiating. Interment to follow at Hyatt Cemetery, Fields, Louisiana.