Joseph Edwin Ortiz

Joseph "Joe" Edwin Ortiz, 62, of Albuquerque and formerly of Taos, was born in Embudo, NM on January 24, 1944 to E.B. & Ofelia Ortiz. Joe was the fourth son and the seventh of eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents and two nieces, Jane Ann Ortiz and Tammy Velasquez. He is survived by his two daughters, Jolene (Brandon) and Vanessa (Martin), former wife, Betty Mares, his brothers, Orlando (Ruby), Art (Marilyn), Ted (Cecilia), and sisters, Sadie Knight, Lucille Olds (Wally), Margaret Werner (Bob), Anna Marie Velasquez and his special friends, Steve Sanchez and Tommy Velasquez, also know as his "bros". Joe was a Taos High School graduate of 1962 and later graduated from the University of New Mexico. He loved the outdoors and worked for the forest service for a while. He enjoyed camping, hiking, and cutting firewood with his buddies. Joe was quiet but had a unique sense of humor. He was well liked by everyone young and old. Joe worked at the family business, Granada Furniture with his sister, Anna Marie. He became manager when she moved to Albuquerque, then in the year 2000 he moved to Albuquerque also. He was a loving father to both Jolene and Vanessa and was extremely proud of them. He enjoyed seeing family at the Ortiz reunion in August of 2006. He was happy to have Jolene and Vanessa beside him. Joe was loved and will be greatly missed. Rosary was recited on October 29, 2006. Funeral mass was held on October 30, 2006. Both services were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Taos. Interment was held at Sierra Vista Cemetery.