Ernesto L. Portillo

Ernesto L. Portillo

December 19, 1945 – March 20, 2021

Ernesto Lopez Portillo, age 75 of Monroe, passed away at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital on March 20, 2021.

Born December 19, 1945 in Kerrville, Texas, Ernie was one of nine children born of the late Regino and Delfina (Lopez) Portillo. Ernie attended and graduated from Monroe High School in 1963. After graduating, Ernie started out working at Guardian Glass for 25 years. He later worked at and retired from Delta USA.

Ernie met and married the love of his life, Sherry Rafko, on June 14, 1965. They raised a family of two daughters and spent 56 wonderful years together.  

In his free time, Ernie was a proud member of the Monroe Jaycees where he would help raise money for youth organizations. In his younger years, Ernie loved to play on many different softball leagues in Monroe County. Ernie was an excellent golfer in his later years. He also enjoyed deer hunting and jet skiing. Ernie was known to be an avid fan and he would root for the University of Michigan football and basketball teams.

Ernie had a big love of music. He loved all kinds of classic rock including the Eagles and Santana. Ernie was known as being witty and a big jokester. He was loved by all. Ernie was extremely outgoing and knew everyone in the community. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Ernie made sure he attended all of his grandkids sporting events and he went on all of the family vacations.

To cherish his memory, Ernie leaves his loving wife, Sherry; two daughters: Andrea (Kyle) Margrey and Karli (Ian) Patrick; six grandchildren: Nick Margrey, Kevin Margrey, Liliana Patrick, Rowan Patrick, Kyla Patrick, and Lucas Patrick; four siblings: Christina Garcia, Olivia Lopez, Linda Little, and Henry Portillo; he shared a special bond with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roger and Dani Smith; and many many precious nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Ernie was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Angela Portillo; and four siblings: Hortencia Soto, Pedro Portillo, Paul Portillo, and Antonio Portillo.

Due to COVID cremation will take place with no services at this time. There will be a memorial gathering and celebration of his life in late spring or early summer of 2021. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Rupp Funeral Home.

Online condolences and words of comfort may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com