Jesica Jo Marie Ortega-Scheurn, age 26, of Vernal, passed away June 27, 2017, from complications of a stroke.

She was born Nov. 5, 1990, in Roosevelt, to George Andrew Jackson Ortega and Christine Lee Kettle. She married Douglas John "DJ" Scheurn, and they later separated. She has been together with the love of her life, Aaron Stout, for the last four years.

Jessica was a very independent woman who wouldn't let anyone do anything for her and would try the impossible just because she had to see the outcome for herself. She was very smart, had miraculous strength, and fought valiantly for her life. She worked many hours as a night manager at Taco Bell so that she could provide for her family. She enjoyed fishing, hiking, nature, riding ATVs, and cooking – she made the best brownies! She was very intrigued with the Japanese culture, she learned to speak it, and her favorite food was sushi.

Her greatest joys were her daughters and she didn't let anything come before them. She was especially close to her cousin, Kandi Keel, who was only 25 days younger than she. She was a loyal friend, and will be deeply missed.

In the hopes that something good will come out of their tragic loss, the family has chosen to follow her wishes of organ transplant donation.

Jessica is survived by her companion, Aaron Stout; daughters, Naomi Scheurn and Arianna Stout, all of Vernal; parents, Christina and Troy Cook, Roosevelt; grandparents who helped raise her, Jerry and Sarah Kettle, Ioka; Dean and Colleen Cook, Bluebell; brothers, Charles (Shelby) Ortega, Altamont; Dagger Lankford; a sister, Jadalynn Lankford, both of Roosevelt; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Clairine Cook; great-grandparents, Charles and Iona Richens; and Lester and Alta Kettle.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Myton LDS Chapel with a viewing that morning from 10-10:45 a.m.

Burial will be in the Roosevelt Memorial Park. Condolences may be shared at www.hullingermortuary.com.