Obituary of Arabella Clara Ortega

Arabella “Belle” Clara Ortega, 88, was born August 12, 1933.  Belle went to heaven on December 30, 2021.  Belle was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, though she lived the majority of her life in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Belle is preceded in death by husband Alfonso Antonio Ortega, Sr.; mother, Catalicia Dominguez; father, Vicente Armijo, aunt Natividad Martinez; brother Vicente Armijo Jr; sisters: Mary Goke, Eloisa Moore, Delia Garcia, and Priscilla Armijo; and son-in-law Richard Reeves.

She is survived by daughters: Yolanda Archambeault-Reeves, Mary Wanda Ortega, Linda Catherine“Kathy” Montoya / husband Eppie Archie Montoya, and Regina Darlene Ortega; son Alfonso Andrew Ortega, Jr; Grandchildren: Dennis Justin LoGrasso-Reeves, Dominic Christopher Malczewski, Matthew Aaron Malczewski, Samantha Miranda Anaya; and Great-Grand Children Kayla Alyssa Romero, and Atianna Domonique Malczewski; sisters: Gloria Arellano, Julia Scott, Rosie Armijo Maestas and Antonia Armijo Gonzales.

Belle received her high school diploma from the New Mexico State Board of Education, received a Master of Catechist from the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, completed 90- hours from the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, taught 33-years catechism in the Catholic Church and sang in the church choir for over 40-years.  She was an active supporter for special education in the schools. 

Belle had a strong catholic faith and love for music.  She dedicated her life caring for her daughter and son with special needs. She is greatly loved and will be missed by her family and friends. 

Services will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022:

​10:00 AM Rosary - 11:00 AM Mass - St. John’s Catholic Church, 1301 Osage Ave, Santa Fe, NM

1:45 PM Interment - Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N Guadalupe St, Santa Fe, NM

Gathering for family and friends, following interment –

                  Nancy Rodriguez Community Center, 1 Prairie Dog Loop, Santa Fe, NM  

In lieu of food or flowers please offer a mass at your local church for the children with special needs.

Arrangements are under the direction of Riverside Funeral Home, 3232 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87507.