Donelia Ortega

Donelia (Grandma Bug) took her journey to our Lord and Savior on March 26, 2021 with her family at her side after a very short illness.  She was born November 11, 1930 in El Rito, New Mexico to Maximino and Rosita Vigil. She was married to the late Jose C. Ortega for over 50 years.  Donelia was a hard worker who at an early age worked on the family farm and then worked in Colorado harvesting vegetables at various farms.  Upon moving to Espanola in the early 50’s she and Jose ran a couple of bar/dance halls.  She then worked at Sanchez and Buddy Gallup Cleaners where she perfected her seamstress skills.  She was very skilled at alterations.  Donelia was a caregiver for her husband, parents, several siblings, and grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was an amazing cook and made the best red chili, biscochitos, and bread.  She always had the best food for the holidays.  Donelia was an avid sports fan, especially baseball, who at one time knew all the names of the starters for Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves.  You could always see Donelia at her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events – all over NM or at the casino playing her favorite machine along with her sisters-in-law (The Golden Girls).

Donelia is survived by her sons Joseph (Antonia) Ortega of San Pedro and Jerrold (Amanda) Ortega of Rio Rancho; her Grandchildren Josephine (Sam) Gonzales, Theresa (Latrelle) Jackson, Greysen and Urijah Ortega.  Great Grandchildren Cyrus Gray, Joel Gonzales, Kylee Jackson, Eli Jackson, and Riley Jackson. She is also survived by her sisters Adelia Atencio (Florida) and Mary Martinez (Utah). Sisters- in-law Cora (Ralph) Ortega, Lia Gallegos, Margarita Ortega and brother-in-law Diego Ortega. Also, many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jose C. Ortega, parents: Maximinio and Rosita Vigil, in-laws Adolfo and Margarita Ortega; siblings: Jose P., Desiderio, Cipriano, Frank, Adelina Manzanares, and Cora Lopez; brothers-in-law Antonio, Delfín, Ismael, Johnny and Adolfito; sisters-in-law, Rufinta DeVargas, Florinda Rivera, Emma Pacheco, and Donilia Romero.

Donelia’s services are pending.  They will be subject to Covid restrictions set by the State and the Parish.  The family has requested that there be no condolence line and masks be worn to protect those of the family and others who are not yet vaccinated.

Those who will be carrying Donelia to her and final resting place are Cyrus Gray, Joel Gonzales, Sam Gonzales, Latrelle Jackson, Mary Martinez-Sandoval, and Mitch Herrera.  Serving as honorary pallbearers are her nephews and nieces.

Donelia’s services are scheduled for April 6th at Santa Cruz de la Canada with a rosary at 10:30 am followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 am.  Internment will follow at the Santa Cruz Cemetery.  Services will be subject to Covid restrictions set by the State and the Parish. The current limits set for services at the church is 100 attendees and once seated attendees must remain at their pews.  The family has requested that there be no condolence line and masks be worn to protect those of the family and others who are not yet vaccinated.

Doenlia’s family would like to thank Dr. Melo and his staff, the caregivers and staff of Presbyterian Hospice, family and friends who visited her in her final days.

The Ortega Family has entrusted The Rivera Family, and staff with their loved one. You can share memories, photos, and your thoughts with Mrs. Ortega’s family by visiting riverafamilyfuneralhome.com.