Catalina V. Ortega

1930 - 2021

Catalina V. Ortega

Las Cruces - Catalina V. Ortega, 91, of San Pablo, passed away on Saturday June 26, 2021 in Las Cruces, NM. She was born February, 13, 1930 in McNary, TX to Juliana and Juvencio Vasquez.

At the age of nineteen she married Ramon Q. Ortega sometime after he offered her a chocolate bar on their first date at the Rio Grande Theatre in Las Cruces. They built their own home out of adobe and determination in San Pablo and had three children, Angelita, Berta and Ramon Jr. The two would be married for the next 60 years.

Through all her pain and suffering, Catalina remained a devout and loyal Christian rooted deep in her faith and never complained about her ailments. She was a hard worker and during her formidable years would often spend time visiting nursing homes.

Our beloved Mother was a huge fan of Casa Cerrado and an avid watcher of novelas, huapangos, Price Is Right, Let's Make A Deal and loved to laugh. Her greatest love was for her family, especially helping raise her niece Julie, nephew Conrad, and grandchildren.

The imprint of life lessons she left in our hearts is equally matched with the love we have for her. She will be incredibly missed. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

She is survived by two daughters, Angelita Jimenez and Berta Rivera, sister, Amelia Vasquez, brother, Abraham Vasquez, grandchildren, Santino and Marco Antonio Jimenez, Michelle (Jolene) and Brandon (Angel) Rivera, Diana Ortega, great-grandchildren, Mariah, Dalilah, and Isaiah Ortega, Luke and Emma Rivera and many nieces and nephews, and is preceded in death by her husband, Ramon Q. Ortega, son, Ramon Ortega Jr., brothers, Angel, Humberto, Felix, Jesus and Tomas Vasquez, one sister, Elena Goodwin and parents Juliana and Juvencio Vasquez.

Please join us in celebrating her life.

Viewing will take place Friday, July 2, 2021 from 9 -10 a.m. with a Funeral Mass following from 10 -11 a.m. at The Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe located at 3600 Paroquia St, Las Cruces, NM in Tortugas. The Rite of Committal and Internment will immediately follow at San Albino Church Cemetery in Mesilla where she will be laid to rest.

Serving as pallbearers will be Benny, Brandon and Michelle Rivera, Jamie Ortega, Mike Guzman, Isaac Baquera, Santino and Marco Jimenez.

Heartfelt thanks to all. God bless you.

Arrangements are with La Paz - Graham's Funeral Home 555 West Amador Las Cruces, NM, 88005. To sign the online guest book visit www.LaPaz-Grahams.com