Sylvia Orta

Weslaco- 

Sylvia “Biba” Orta, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and cherished friend, peacefully went to be with the Lord on January 20, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on August 20, 1964, in Weslaco, Texas, to Eli ✝︎ and Yolanda Orta ✝︎, Sylvia’s life was a testament to her unwavering faith, love for God, and deep commitment to serving others. 

A proud graduate of Weslaco High School class of 1982, Sylvia began her lifelong journey of faith and service at Iglesia Cristiana Bethel in Weslaco, TX, where she learned to grow in her love for the Lord. She later joined Samaria Church in Santa Rosa, TX, where she became an integral part of the church community. Her love for praise and worship was a reflection of her 

heart’s desire to honor God in all that she did. 

Sylvia was a devoted sister, sharing a close and loving bond with her siblings: Eli Jr. Orta (Diana Orta), Cynthia Orta, Elizabeth Ceballos (Jose Ceballos), and Marilanda V. Torres ✝︎ (Joe Frank Torres). She cherished her family above all, and her life was a reflection of her deep love for them. Sylvia’s greatest joy was spending time with her loved ones, especially during the holidays when they gathered to celebrate God’s goodness and grace. 

A true servant of the Lord, Sylvia’s faith extended beyond her family. She had a heart full of love and compassion for her friends and church family. Her circle of friends, including Becky Garza, Angie Muniz, Diana Carmona, Donna Garza, and many others, were touched by her kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to Christ. She also held a special place in her heart for her extended family, the Garza and Verdin families, and her life was one of service and selfless love. 

Although Sylvia did not have children of her own, she was a mother to many, nurturing those around her with the love and care of a parent. She loved all her nieces and nephews Maria Lopez, Jovanni Orta, Jamie Castillo (Roderick Castillo), Caleb Orta (Dashia Orta), Joey Ceballos, Louie Orta, Jozannah Orta, Caitlin Ceballos, Debbie Orta, Eli Ceballos along with Great Nieces and Nephews (Ethan Orta, Layla Orta, Eliana Mae Castillo and Roderick Castillo Jr). Her love was boundless, and she treated them as her own children, guiding them in the way of the Lord with wisdom and care. She was a second mother to Michael Escamilla (Amanda Escamilla) and Jo Rae Torres, and she was a loving caretaker to many children throughout her life, showing them the love of Christ in everything she did. 

Sylvia’s faith was her foundation, and she lived each day with a heart full of gratitude, joy, and love. Her life was a beautiful reflection of Jesus' teachings, and she served others with a servant’s heart, always putting the needs of others before her own. 

In her later years, Sylvia found joy in her role as a beloved aunt/honorary grandmother and in volunteering her time to serve others. Her family and church family were her greatest treasures, and she took delight in sharing meals, fellowship, and love with them. Sylvia’s legacy is one of deep faith, selfless service, and unwavering love for God and others.

Sylvia’s passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew her, but we take comfort in the knowledge that she is now in the arms of her Savior, experiencing eternal joy and peace. Her life was a living testimony of God’s love, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who were touched by her faith and kindness.