Ephraim Miranda Orteza

It is with heavy hearts that the Orteza family announce the death of their loving husband and father, Ephraim Orteza. Ephraim Miranda Orteza went to be with his Lord Jesus on October 31, 2022.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Edna (nee Resus) and his three daughters, Ailynn Orteza, Arleen (Joy) Orteza and Audrey Orteza, and his two granddaughters, Nina Orteza and Haley Ihmels. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces throughout the world. He was well-loved and revered by his family and friends.

Ephraim was born in the Philippines on January 21, 1934, the youngest son of Jose and Rosario Orteza. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Corazon, Josefina, Evelina; and brothers Cornelio, Leoncio, Benjamin, Jose Jr., Reuben, and Arsenio. He graduated from the University of the Philippines Los Banos with a degree in Agriculture and he went on to manage his family’s agribusinesses before moving his family to Morgantown where he owned an importing business and a wholesale floral distribution business.

Ephraim began a church in 1979 in his home in Morgantown which grew to what is now the Reformed Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Of all his achievements in life, he was most humbled by the growth of the church and the student ministry to which he devoted most of his life. Ephraim enjoyed meeting and getting to know people. His warm effervescent smile and true nature embodying a generous heart shined through in all his compassionate and kind exchanges. He is warmly remembered for his example and legacy of devoted love and faithfulness to the Lord and how he helped instill in others the values of dependence on God, submission to the Lordship of Jesus, Scripture and a missional lifestyle.

To his family, Ephraim will be forever remembered for his love of pranks, jokes and long stories about his boyhood and his brothers and sisters. He enjoyed large family gatherings where he could be found engaging in deep philosophical conversations, playing board games, watching Mountaineer sports and being the life of the party. He loved making people laugh and bringing people together.

To Edna, Ailynn, Joy, Audrey, Nina and Haley, he was our rock. Not only did he know how to solve all our mechanical problems he was a constant lifeline during any crisis big or small. His humor and calm demeanor helped to reassure us through the years. Always patient and forbearing and full of hope, he had an indomitable spirit that made us believe.

Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, November 4. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Reformation Orthodox Presbyterian Church on 450 Arch Street, Morgantown, West Virginia.

Online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christian work in the Philippines with check made out to Themelios Inc. or by Zelle to themelios@haigraphai.org or to phone number (832) 707-7810.