Ruby V. Ortiz

Ruby V. Ortiz passed away peacefully and with dignity at home with her loving family on Thursday, August 18, 2011. She was born and raised in Mora, NM and attended boarding schools in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. She was preceded in death by her parents, Servana and Pedro Velasquez and brothers, Joe and Eppie Velasquez. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Orlando Ortiz and her daughter, Gina and granddaughters, Renee and Alexis Osburn, brothers, Tomas (Ida) and Florentino Velasquez ( Martha), brothers-in-law, Arthur L. (Marilyn) and Ted Ortiz (Cecilia), sisters-in-law, Sadie Knight, Lucille Olds (Wally) Margaret Werner (Robert), Anna Marie Velasquez and numerous relatives and friends. Ruby graduated from Menaul High School in 1942 and later earned a B.A. Degree in elementary education from the University of New Mexico. She began her teaching career in Mora and Espanola. She retired from the Taos Municipal schools in 1985 and after a successful 30 year career of teaching elementary and junior high school students. She was a hard working, dedicated teacher who earned the love and respect of the hundreds of students whom she taught. She was granted a Master Teacher's Elementary Life Certificate by the State Department of Education on August 31, 1956. After retiring from the public schools, she was involved with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and other civic organizations, she also served as a lector at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for about ten years. Rosary was recited on Friday, August 19, 2011 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral mass was celebrated on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Interment was held at the Sierra Vista Cemetery. Pall bearers: Peter Velasquez, Charles Martin, Bill Velasquez, Bobbi Montoya, Thomas Gutierrez, Edwin Tafoya.