BENJAMIN NEILL ORTEGA

BENJAMIN NEILL ORTEGA
Benjamin Neill Ortega passed away at dawn on September 29, 2025.
Ben was born on December 26, 1932, and lived most of his life in the beautiful city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1950 and later earned an Associate Degree from the University of New Mexico.
In 1953, Ben traveled aboard the USS Alexander to Germany as a member of the U.S. Army. He was stationed at the 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, where he worked as a dental technician.
Upon returning to Albuquerque in 1956, Ben managed Dial Finance. Shortly thereafter, he co-founded NM Finance Corp with his partner, Frank Wright, establishing offices in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Española, and Los Lunas. In 1968, he opened Capital Finance in Santa Fe and became a franchisee for National Car Rental, with offices located at the Santa Fe Airport, the Sheraton Hotel, and in Los Alamos.
In 1975, Ben's entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase the Hickory Farms franchise in Santa Fe, where he employed his children and many of their young friends. Along the way, working with his friend Stan Evans, he ventured into real estate development and built several commercial buildings.
Around 1980, ever the man of many interests and talents, Ben taught himself to draw architectural plans for buildings and homes. He obtained his GB-98 contractor's license and spent the following years doing what he loved-drawing plans, building homes with and for his family, traveling to his condo on Maui, entertaining at his cabin on the Pecos River, and playing golf with friends.
Throughout his life, Ben could always be found working on a new project in his garage. He also enjoyed crafting silver and turquoise jewelry. A lifelong dog lover, he grieved the loss of every single one.
Ben will be remembered for the gentleman he was, his calm demeanor, and his good-natured sense of humor. He is now free to explore his next chapter, no doubt grateful for the great life he lived here on Earth.
Ben is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen; his daughter, Lorri Hatcher (Scott); his sons, Robert Ortega (JoAnn) and Scott Ortega (Dong Mei); and his grandchildren: Benjamin Ortega, Ryan Gorman (Meghan), and Madison Ortega. He is also remembered by his bonus grandchildren, Lauren Barnett (Dan) and Sonja Swaynie (Alex); and great-grandchildren Charles and Max Gorman, and Claire Barnett.
Ben was the son of Ben and Ina Ortega, and the grandson of Don Victor Ortega-delegate to the New Mexico Constitutional Convention in 1910-and Refugio Ortega.
Services: October 21, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial: Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, 11:00 AM
Interment: Santa Fe National Cemetery, 1:30 PM
Gathering of Friends & Family: 2:00–4:30 PM (location to be announced)