Maria Esperanza "Hope" Ortiz

Maria Esperanza “Hope” Ortiz passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 12, 2025, at 82 years old. Esperanza was residing in Springer, NM, at Colfax Long Term Care at the time of her passing, but previously resided in Raton, NM, which was her home for many years. Esperanza was born on March 1st, 1943, in Dawson, NM, to her parents, the late Maria and Felipe Islas. Esperanza grew up with 4 sisters and 5 brothers and remained close with them throughout their lives. Esperanza was married June 28th of 1969, to the late Abel “Presley” Ortiz, and soon created a family with two daughters, Mary and Loretta, and raised them together with love in the Catholic church. Esperanza was a devoted Catholic and also helped raise her grandchildren in the Catholic church. Esperanza loved all of her family, especially her grandchildren, who spent a lot of time with her; they were the highlight of her life.

Esperanza was survived by her two daughters, Mary Ortiz and Loretta Ortiz, 5 grandchildren- Ruben Garcia and Sara Castillo, Alisha Morphew and Angelo Gonzales-Claflin, Raina Morphew, Justin Morphew, Daniel Garcia and Alyah Martinez, 9 Great-grandchildren- Adkin Trujillo, Adara, Trujillo, Aspen Trujillo, Isaiah Garcia, Davyon Castillo, Skye Castillo, Louie Santistevan, Londyn Morphew, and Oakley Morphew, 4 brothers- Philip and Marie Islas, Antonio Islas, Frank and Nelda Islas, Joe and Judy Islas, 1 sister- Josephine Islas and numerous special nieces and nephews.

Esperanza was preceded in death by her husband Abel “Presley” Ortiz, parents Maria and Felipe Islas, 1 brother- Salvador Islas, and 3 sisters- Mercedes Gallardo, Dolores Gonzalez, and Carmen Sandoval.

Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be on October 29, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s, Joseph’s Catholic Church, recited by Stella Aguilar, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am with Father Bill Woytavich as the Celebrant.  Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  

Dinner will be served at the V.F.W. in Raton following the services. If anyone would like to donate a dish, please deliver it to the V.F.W.    

Arrangements are entrusted to the Alderette-Pomeroy Funeral Home.