Obituary of Juanita Evelyn Ortega

Our dear mother Juanita Evelyn Ortega, sadly passed away peacefully on March 31, 2023 at the age of 87. She was born on June 9, 1935 in Peñasco, NM, to Bernabe and Gabrielita Gonzales (Ortega). She was raised in Peñasco, NM. She spent time with her grandparents and extended family in the Plaza Del Cerro in Chimayo, NM. Juanita was a direct decedent of Juan ‘El Catalan’ de la Cruz from Barcelona, Spain; he came with Juan de Onate, and was one of the first founding families of New Mexico in 1598. She married Thomas J. Ortega on November 5, 1955 in Peñasco, NM.

Juanita was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and sister. She enjoyed growing flowers to adorn her home, cooking, she loved animals, feeding wildlife, and caring for her favorite cat “Tiny.” Although she had a great relationship with all of her children, she had an especially close relationship with her special needs daughter Betty, providing for her everyday care.

Juanita was a devoted and longtime member of the Dixon Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was a very religious woman, who maintained a deep faith and belief in God. Juanita read her bible, prayed every day, and instilled her faith to her children. She practiced kindness, and generosity to others. She passed on family oral history, herbal remedies, cultural traditions, and recipes to her children.

Juanita is preceded in death by her parents Bernabe and Gabrielita Gonzales (Ortega); her husband of 66 years Thomas J. Ortega Sr., brothers Damian ‘Valquin’ Gonzales, Henry Ortega, sister Angelina Ortega; daughters Mary and Ester; sons John and Kenneth Ortega.

Juanita is survived by her son Thomas J. Ortega Jr. of Peñasco, NM; daughters Marilyn D. Ortega of Peñasco, NM, Betty A. Ortega of Peñasco, NM, and Adeline Ortega of Albuquerque, NM; her brother Demetrio (Ruth) Ortega of Peñasco, daughter-in-law Emily Ortega; grandson Lorenzo V. Lopez; granddaughters Valerie Rodriguez; Victoria Ortega, and Veronica Ortega, as well as many nephews, nieces, numerous friends and family.

Services will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 10:30AM at the Dixon Seventh Day Adventist Church, 93 NM State Road 580, Dixon, NM 87527. Burial will be at the Seventh Day Adventist Cemetery in Dixon, NM.