Loretta L Ordaz

Loretta LaVerne Ordaz: December 10, 1939-November 1, 2025 Loretta LaVerne Ordaz, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and teacher, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, in Monte Vista at the age of 85. Loretta spent 84 years of her life in her hometown Salida that she loved. Born in Salida to Frangie and Bern (Leiva) Ordaz on December 10, 1939, Loretta graduated from Salida High School in 1958. Her graduating class motto was: Tough as nails, hard as slate, Salida Class of '58. She fondly spoke about her high school years and classmates. She enjoyed participating in the high school choir, Spartan Sparkle. She excelled academically with her eye on becoming an elementary school teacher, which she dreamed about since she was 8 years old. Her dream of being a teacher came to be after completing 3 years of her bachelor's degree in Tulsa, Oklahoma and completing the 4th year at Western State in Gunnison. She went on to get her master's degree at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. She would continue to enrich her life and passion of teaching with continued education by attending summer throughout the years. Loretta taught school for 30 years. Landing her first job with the Head Start Program in Brewster, her next teaching job was in Cotopaxi, and ultimately spending the duration of her teaching career at Longfellow Elementary school in Salida, teaching 4th grade for a few years before moving to 2nd grade. For Loretta, teaching was a lifelong dream and passion, spending countless hours furthering her education to build on her already impressive credentials, frequently grading papers and changing her bulletin boards, adorning them brightly with fresh ideas and concepts, and coming up with new and innovative ways to reach each and every one of her students and their educational needs. She worked with Harriet Alexander Field to make it possible for every student in the second grade classrooms that year to experience flying in an airplane. She created a curriculum focusing on the diversity of cultures and customs. For several years, her students experienced the music, food, and dance of Mexican culture, with a vibrant celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Although Loretta retired after 30 years of teaching in 1993; her passion for teaching, learning, and education remained an integral part of her everyday life. Outside of education, teaching, and learning, Loretta enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking and baking, working in her yard, reading, and attending mass at St. Joseph's Church. She sang in the choir at church, taught Sunday school, and was reader of scripture during mass when called upon. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Connie. She is survived by her daughter, Kelly of Salida, grandsons Elias Pergande (Sammi) of Salida, Corey Pergande of Grand Junction, great grandson Oliver Pergande, and soon to arrive baby Pergande great granddaughter, her brother Richard Ordaz of Colorado Springs, sister Michelle of Buena Vista, nieces and great nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am November 12, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Salida to celebrate her life and the joy she brought to us. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Rock Creek Rehabilitation and Care Center 2277 East Drive Monte Vista, CO 81144 and Beneficent-Doing Good for Others 665 Southpointe Court Suite 100 Colorado Springs CO 80906. A heartfelt thank you to those who were divinely sent into Loretta's end of life journey: Jenny Price, Mary Esther Middleton, Sara Ward, Jill Simonson, Nicole Ravelette, Stacy Osborne, and the elite staff at Rock Creek Rehabilitation and Care Center in Monte Vista, who poured their heart and soul into the care and comfort they gave to Loretta as she suffered from the ravages of dementia. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home in Salida. Online condolences can be sent to the family at LewisandGlenn.com.