Bertina J. Lovato

Bertina J. Lovato, 93, of Delta, Colorado, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her children on March 10, 2026.

Bertina was born on December 4, 1932, in Conejos, County, Colorado. She grew up with strong family values that shaped the loving, faithful woman she became.

On September 17, 1951, she married, Filimon “Phil” Lovato. Together they built a life grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ, raising their family with love, devotion, and hard work. Bertina was a devoted wife, loving mother, and adoring Nana whose greatest joy was her family.

Throughout her life, Bertina worked alongside her husband farming while dedicating herself to raising her children and caring for her growing family. Bertina worked at Hill Air Force Base in Utah assembling instrument panels on B-29’s. She enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, sewing, crocheting, quilting, fishing and camping. Her hands were rarely still, and many family members were blessed with beautiful quilts and afghans she lovingly created. She was a great cook and was known for her delicious tortillas and green chili.

Bertina was a faithful member of El Buen Pastor Church, Spanish Assembly of God for over 75 years. She served her church faithfully, teaching Sunday School for many years and participating in various church ministries. Her unwavering faith in God was a guiding light in her life and an inspiration to those around her.

She is survived by her daughters, Rosemary Sluder (Rev. Carlos Sluder) and Ruth Thompson of Delta, Colorado; her son, Robert Lovato (Angela) of Grand Junction, Colorado; and her son-in-law, Gary Smithey of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She had seven beloved grandchildren, Ancelin Perez, Andrew Lovato, Alicia Carrasco, Julie Gomez, Ashley Varner, Frank Smithey, and Ben Thompson, as well as 17 cherished great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Alvarado; and a brother, Morris Jiron.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phil Lovato; her daughter, Jean Smithey; her son-in-law, Mark Thompson; her parents, Mauricio and Julia Jiron; four brothers, Armando, David, Levi, and Raymond; and two sisters, Jenny Archuleta and Flora Edwards.

Bertina will be remembered for her unwavering faith in God, her strength, her tireless work ethic, and the loving legacy she leaves behind in the many lives she touched. "Her children arise and call her blessed."— Proverbs 31:28

A memorial service celebrating Bertina’s life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at El Buen Pastor Church, 1759 Highway 50, Delta, Colorado.

Taylor Funeral Home is handling arrangements.