Melinda Yvette Ortiz

Melinda Ortiz (Mel) passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at her home in Ignacio, Colo, at the age of 53. Mel was born in Salida, Colo. on Aug. 23, 1972, to her mother, Vera (Red) and Robert Ortiz. Melinda grew up and attended school in Buena Vista, Colo., and Ignacio, Colo. and graduated from Ignacio in 1990. Mel lived in Ignacio, Colo.

Mel is an enrolled member of the Taos Pueblo Indian Tribe in Taos, NM and a Southern and Ute Mountain descendent. Mel enjoyed going home on occasion for feast days, and holidays. She enjoyed bear dancing, attending powwows, and watching and cheering on her grandchildren, nieces and nephews participate in their respective activities.

Mel was a mother to her daughter, Mataya Rock, and grandmother to three grandchildren, Adrienne, Alicia, and Avery, who were her world and who she was very proud of, in everything that they did.

Mel enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Mel worked at the Sky Ute Casino, both on the floor and in B-I-N-G-O! She also worked in various restaurants in Ignacio as a waitress. She cleaned houses and helping others and volunteering her time in the Bayfield and Ignacio communities.

Mel especially loved her cat-babies, “Ezusa,” “Rousey” and “Tigger.” She enjoyed listening to 80’s Rock music, especially KISS, and her idol – “the Purple One,” Prince, and of course cheering on “America’s Team” the Dallas Cowboys.

Mel was known for her friendly, caring nature, her infectious smile and crazy sense of humor – laughing and joking around with friends and family. She lived life her own way and lived life to the fullest. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Mel is proceeded in death by her father, Robert L. Ortiz, mother Vera (Red) Ortiz, daughter Alicia Weston, and nephew Kyace Ortiz-Watts.

Mel is survived by her daughter Mataya and Darren Rock, whom she called her “son.” Grandchildren Adrienne, Alicia, and Avery. Brother, Robert (Bobby) Ortiz, and sister, Blenda Ortiz, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Procession will depart from Hood Mortuary in Durango, Colo., at 4:30 p.m., to Mataya (Darren) Rock’s residence on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, with a Wake to be held at the Rock residence that evening.

A recitation of the Rosary will take place at 9:30 a.m., by Gina and Oscar Cosio, prior to funeral services. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m., at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Chapel, in Ignacio, Colo. Eddie and Betty Box will officiate the services. A meal will be served after the services in the Multi-Purposes Gathering Room.

Melinda’s ashes will be returned to the Earth in a private ceremony at a later time.