Cora Ortega

Cora Ortega - May 29, 1938 – January 8, 2026

Cora Ortega passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 87 surrounded by family in the Española Valley.

Born in La Madera, New Mexico to Adolfo & Margarita Ortega, she was raised on the family farm in El Rito, New Mexico. In the late 50s she moved to Española and worked as a celebrated cook for El Paragua, Matilda’s Café, Emilio’s Restaurant, The Chuck Wagon and The Roadrunner Café for 30 years. She loved to be in the kitchen and was happiest when she was cooking for her family.

In the 80s she began working for the New Mexico State Police and retired from there in 2003. She loved gardening, was an accomplished seamstress, and read every book, magazine, newspaper or pamphlet she could get her hands on. She loved talking on the phone with her family and was often contacted as the family historian, having memorized every family members’ birthday, wedding date, children’s births and family history. She was prone to sudden bursts of song and famous for giving free advice.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ralph Ortega and her daughter Liddie Martinez (Rick) of Española. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Edna Serna and Verna (Bird) Trujillo.

She leaves behind her sister, Lia Gallegos, her son-in-law, Manny Martinez, 6 grandchildren: Frankie Serna (Rafa Escamilla), Ricky Serna (Monique), Maggie Blacketer (Eddie Herrera), Jared Ortega (Amanda Rodriguez), Jeremy Lopez (TrinniRea Romero), Ian Martinez (Alex), 9 great-grandchildren, countless nieces and nephews and many friends.

The Holy Rosary will be prayed for her on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM followed by the funeral mass at 2:00 PM and internment at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Española. 

The family of Cora Ortega has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Española Valley 505-747-7477.