Jose Bernabe Ortega

Jose Bernabe (Bernie) Ortega 90, of Questa passed away on February 15, 2010. He was a 30 year career teacher and principal in the Questa School District. He was a WW II veteran of the U.S. Army. Mr. Ortega was a councilman for the Village of Questa for 22 years. He fought hard to get the village incorporated in the early 60's and served on the first Village Council. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Ortega, son, George Ortega, infant son , Joseph, great grandson, Ricky Bernabe Sanchez, parents Jose Eulogio and Rosita Ortega, brothers, Ruben Ortega (Corina), Santiago Ortega and Eulogio Ortega Jr., sisters Ursula Martinez (Rudy), and Cleotilde Vigil (Agapito) and brothher-in-law Manuel Lujan. He is survived by his children, Bernadette Maestas (Bob) of Taos, Theresa O. Sanchez of Questa, Lawrence Ortega (Rosalie) of Questa and Eliza Archuleta (Steve) of Las Cruces. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, sister Cecilia Gonzales (Tony), Louisa Cardenas, (Abe) and Arabella Lujan, sisters-in-law Ida Ortega and Lorenza Ortega and many other relatives and friends. Mr. Ortega was a public servant in many respects. Besides being dedicated to his career in education, he served on many community organizations and boards, always trying to improve and advance his community. Just prior to being drafted by the U.S. Army Mr. Ortega married Dolores Romero from Ranchos de Taos in 1941. Following his military service he attended NMHU obtaining a BA degree in education all while raising a family of two daughters and two sons. Upon graduation he returned to Questa where he worked as a teacher and added another daughter to his family. Later he received his MA degree from Adams State College and again returned to his beloved La Cienega School where he was principal until his retirement. After retirement Mr. Ortega took to cattle ranching and ran a small cattle ranching operation for the following fifteen years. Since the death of his wife Dolores in 1999, Mr. Ortega spent his time with his daughters and son. He frequented the casinos as often as possible and enjoyed seeing and talking to his friends from Questa. His family will miss him greatly. Never forgetting his annual family Christmas reunion dinner he would start planning and looking forward to since early June. His love for his family and his Lord never wavered. Mr. Ortega's family would like to thank Fr. Dino Candelaria, Deacon Marcus Rael, Fr. Mally and the San Francisico De Asis Parish, Questa Peregrinos, Rivera-Hanlon Funeral Home, Questa Friendship Circle, Rachael Leon, Bobby Ortega, Andamo Sanchez, Leroy Romero, Mayordomos from St. Anthony's Parish and Cynthia Rael-Vigil and Joseph Rael from the San Pedro Cemetary Committee. Thank you also to friends and family who accompanied us with their presence during our time of sorrow and everyone who gave of their time, donations, flowers. food, and their caring love. God Bless You All. Rosary was recited on February 18, 2010 at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church in Ranchos. Funeral mass was held on February 19, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Costilla. Interment was held at San Pedro Cemetery in Questa.