Rodolfo Ortega

On Saturday, April 18, 2015, Rodolfo Z. Ortega, known as "Rudy", passed through the gates of Heaven to meet his Savior. Rudy, 63, was born in Las Cruces to Jose and Erlinda Ortega. At a young age, he was diagnosed with juvenile-onset, or Type 1, diabetes. When others said he wouldn't live a long prosperous life, God said, "For I know the plans I have for you … plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.
Rudy loved electronics. He loved taking things apart and putting them back together. He became so good that word got around and people started contacting him for electronic repairs. He went to school and completed two vocational degrees in electronics, and began his career as an electronic technician for the Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University, where he worked for 25 years. Because of health struggles, he retired after 25 years of service to NMSU, and worked to pursue his bachelor of science in engineering. He graduated in 2012.
As a young boy, Rudy was passionate about music and became an incredible musician. He grew up playing in bands, playing music that brought joy to others, and also served on the worship team at church. He loved to play his saxophone, and also played keyboards, and bass guitar. He spent his time reading, writing, investing and teaching others about the joy and beauty of music.
Rudy was happily married to Hilda Ortega for 40 years. Together they built a life that valued, honored, and respected each other. They had one child, a daughter, Yvonne. They worked together to build their home. In 2002, Rudy was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. He had developed brittle diabetes and it became difficult to control. Hilda began the journey to get Rudy accepted into the Mayo Clinic to see if he would be a candidate for an organ transplant. In October 2003, Rudy received a pancreas and kidney transplant, which extended his life for an additional 12 years. Together, with God's grace, Rudy and Hilda triumphed over illness.
Rudy truly enjoyed life. He enjoyed conversation with others, and loved sharing stories. He was an advocate for organ donation awareness, and served as the president for the Southern New Mexico Transplant Support Group. He advocated and worked with MountainView Regional Medical Center to create the Donate Life Memorial Wall which honors organ donors who have given others the gift of life. He worked hard to organize seven annual Donate Life Car Shows to help build the Donate Life Memorial. In his memory, donations will be accepted by the Transplant Support Group to support his vision to help build the Donate Life Memorial. For information, please call 575-644-8625.
Rudy is survived by his wife, Hilda; daughter Yvonne and husband, Brian Rodriguez. He has two beautiful grandsons, Joshua and Kellan Rodriguez, with whom he spent many joyful hours. His brothers are Gilbert, wife Mary Ortega, Paul, wife Licha Ortega, Danny Ortega, and Manuel Ortega. His sister is Yolanda Montoya, husband Greg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Erlinda Ortega. He has a large, beautiful family consisting of other cousins, nieces, nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law which he loved very much.
Celebration of life ceremonies will begin on Thursday, April 23, at 6 p.m. for the viewing, and 7 p.m. service. Celebration services will continue on Friday, April 24, at 1 p.m. Both services will be held at Las Cruces First Assembly of God, 5605 Bataan Memorial, Las Cruces, with the Rev. Cesar Tellez officiating.
His wife and daughter would like to sincerely thank Dr. Zahir and the ICU nurses at MountainView for their compassion and excellent care.
Rudy was well-respected and loved in our community. While he is no longer physically present on earth, his family will continue to honor his legacy. He is loved more than words could ever express, and will be greatly missed.
Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces 527-2222. Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care". For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com