Pablo Ortega

Pablo J. Ortega, 25, of Santa Fe, NM, died on March 29, 2022.  He was born October 24, 1996 to Kelly A. Montoya and Leroy Ortega.  He married Elena D. Ortega on November 25, 2017 in Albuquerque, NM.

He is preceded in death by aunt; Marisol Martinez, uncle; Roland Montoya, grandparents; Carmen A. Ortega and Pablo F. Ortega.

He is survived by his wife; Elena D. Ortega, son; David-Jeshua Ortega, daughter; Kamilah Ortega, mother; Kelly Montoya, father; Leroy Ortega, brother; Angelo Ortega, sister in law; Erica Ortega, Nephew; Angelo Jr. (AJ) Ortega, Niece; Olivia Ortega, brother; Shane Montoya, sister; Felicia Archuleta, father in law; Chris Loibl, mother in law; Rubina Loibl, sister in law; Andrea Loibl, grandparents; Louis and Helen Martinez and Maxine and Tim Bustos, and many other special family and friends.

Pablo graduated from Espanola Valley High School in 2015 and was proud to be a Sundevil. In March of 2017 he enlisted in the United States Army. Pablo’s dream was to make a career in the Army.  He attended basic training at Fort Benning, GA. After basic training Pablo attended AIT at Fort Lee, VA where he was awarded honor graduate. Upon graduation he was stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso Texas.  He completed his first enlistment as a Specialist and was proud to reenlist.  At his next duty station, Fort Lewis, Washington he accomplished many great things, such as becoming NCO of the quarter, and recently was promoted to Staff Sergeant.  Pablo was an exemplary Soldier and proud to serve his county with his brothers and sisters in arms.

Pablo was an exemplary Soldier, but his proudest accomplishment was his family. He built a home with the love of his life Elena where they raised their children David-Jeshua and Kamilah Elizabeth.  He loved being “dada” and would spend his time playing the floor is Lava with David-Jeshua, and having princess tea parties with Kamilah, as she would put pretend make-up on him to make him “pretty.” He would read books to them at night, after giving them their bubble baths and getting them ready for bed. His babies were his entire world.  Elena was Pablo’s one true love and best friend, and although they faced trials and tribulation Pablo would always say that he knew there was nothing that they could ever face that they couldn’t make it through together. He loved being a husband and just hanging out with Elena.

His guilty pleasures included binge watching shows on Netflix, watching animes and playing video games until the early morning hours with his friends and younger brother online. He also loved having game nights with his Army family. He enjoyed a good cigar with his father-in-law, long chats and sipping on Jack Daniel Tennessee Honey. He valued his daily conversations with his older brother about life, fatherhood and marriage. Pablo was a prankster and loved to pick on his mother and little brother. He would also tag team with his little sister-in-law to pick on Elena. When he didn’t know how to handle his stubborn wife he would call his favorite mother-in-law for advice.

Pablo had a kind spirit, a loving heart, and his smile would light up any room he was in. He is truly missed.

Memorial Contributions to The 22 Project and Stop Soldier Suicide.

Pallbearers Angelo Ortega, Shane Montoya, Zackary Phillips, Moses Archuleta, Logan Mattern, and Conner Jennings.

Honorary Pallbearers David-Jeshua Ortega, Angelo Jr. (AJ) Ortega, Juan Salazar De La Rosa, Dillon Leno, Scott Mullen, Roman Haas, Beverly Vigil, and All the Men and Women of Echo Company 23rd BEB.

A viewing will take place Monday, April 18, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. at 417 East Rodeo Road Santa Fe, NM 87505 Rivera Family Kiva Chapel of Light.  Memorial service is Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at Rivera Family Chapel of Light. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 11:15 a.m.