Arabella Ortega

Arabella Duran Ortega, 88 of Questa passed away on June 26, 2019.  She was born in Questa, NM, daughter to Jose Alfredo and Maria Socorro Duran.    She was raised in Questa and Colorado with 7 sisters. She is currently survived by three.   She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Costilla NM in May, 1947.  In November of 1947 she married Norbert Ortega also from Questa, NM. He was her light and love for 59 years, as were her children and family.   Together, Norbert and Bella had 6 children, one (Belinda) passed as an infant, and the rest were raised in Questa.  Arabella and Norbert built a successful business in Questa.  She was primarily a homemaker.  Her first priority always was her family, home and community.  She loved baking, sewing, quilting, embroidering and gardening.  She was a member of the Ladies Home Extension Club; member of the Questa Fire Department Woman’s auxiliary.  She was a Cub Scout leader, a member of the Questa Sportsman club auxiliary.  The Sportsman’s club would raise money for community needs.   She also participated, as best she could, in the rebuilding of the Historic San Anthony’s Church in Questa.  The restoration took 5 years and Bella’s role was helping feed the many workers that came from all over the US to participate in this event.  The cinnamon rolls she baked them for breakfast were very popular.    Bella is survived by five children; Benita (Carlos) Rael, Norby (Pete) Avelar, David (Nancy), Maida (John) and Martha (John),  10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 1 sister in law, 2 brothers in law, many other relatives and friends.

Rosary will be recited on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 6 PM at Rivera Chapel.  Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 10 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Questa with interment to follow at the San Pedro Cemetery.    Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home, Taos.  To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com