GILBERT RAYMOND ORTIZ

GILBERT RAYMOND ORTIZ GILBERT RAYMOND ORTIZ, passed away on Sunday, May 04, 2014 surrounded by his loving family at his home in Nambe. He was born in Nambe in 1932. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Emilie Jane Barrone Ortiz; parents, Henry and Sarah Ortiz; mother-in-law, Christina Fresenius Barrone; sisters, baby Bertha Ortiz and Angie Hayes and brother-in-law, Herman Rowlison. Mr. Ortiz is survived by his siblings and their families; Jennie Rowlison, Eddie Ortiz and wife Teri, Sylvia and husband Austin Hoover and Linda and husband Frankie Trujillo; brothers-in-law, Dan Barrone and wife Cece, Lenny Barrone and John Hayes. Gilbert was born and raised in Nambe, New Mexico, and considered it to be "the most beautiful place to be". He attended elementary school across the street from his house and in 7th grade went on to St. Michael's College (as it was called in those days). He graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1950 and shortly thereafter joined the United States Air Force, spending four years as a Cryptograph Operator in the Korean War earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Upon returning home he entered the work force at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in the mail room and eventually became a Division Leader for Communications and Records Management (CRMO), as well as Lobbyist. He was a loyal, diligent and compassionate employee and loved every minute of his 40 + career with LANL. In 1964 he married the love of his life, Emilie Jane Barrone; raised three daughters, Cynthia Christianna, Deana Gilberta and Bianca Camille. Along with Emilie he was instrumental in the upbringing of their three grandchildren whom they considered their Dad, Christopher, Chrisianita "Tia" and Orion "Kiki". Loving, spoiling, and guiding them every step of the way. Gilbert was a dedicated, loving and funny son, grandson, brother, husband, father, cousin and friend. He cherished his days with his Papa Abel, Mama Teodora, Mama Bersa and all his many cousins, nephews, nieces, son-in-law, John Vincent Wertheim and his family and friends through the years. Gilbert also served as a Santa Fe County Commissioner, was a Great Democrat and a part time farmer, even raising with Emilie 5,000 chile plants in one season. He had a special devotion to the "Virgin Mother" and was a devout Roman Catholic. He found sanctuary in the Holy Rosary and in the recent years to EWTN. A proud New Mexican and American, Gilbert cherished and respected the land, acequias, rivers and "los pajaritos de Tata Dios". In his younger days he was an avid hunter and loved going on horseback to the wilderness. Public visitation will begin on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nambe with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Pojoaque. Burial to follow at 12:45 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Kiki Ortiz, Christopher Ortiz - Petty Officer 3rd class US Navy, Henry Ortiz, Kenneth Rowlison (his Ahijado), Brian Barrone and Robert Garcia. Donations can be made to: Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Parish in Pojoaque Building Fund and/or to the Talking Books Library: NMLBH at 1209 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM 87507-5166/ 1-800-456-5515. Special Thank you to his brother Eddie for their talks and care on the way to and from dialysis, Dr. Paul Kovnat, Fresenius Dialysis Center in Espa¤ola, to Bella, Pat and Aimee at Talking Books Library and to Rosa Ortiz. He will be greatly missed; may he rest in peace in God's Loving Arms. The family of Gilbert Ortiz has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 - www.devargasfuneral.com