Ruth Marie Ortega

Mrs. Ruth Ortega (née Pacheco) died peacefully in her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico on February 7, 2018 at the age of 97. She was surrounded by her friends and family. Ruth is survived by her children, Elued Ortega of Farmington, NM, Jim Ortega of Santa Fe, NM, and Elizabeth Ortega-Ethelbah of Santa Fe NM; her brother David Pacheco of Saguache, CO; her grandchildren, Elued Ortega III of Phoenix, AZ, Alexis Hester of Phoenix, AZ, Upton Ethelbah III of Albuquerque, NM, Micah Ortega of Santa Fe, NM, Lucas Ethelbah of Santa Fe, NM, and Nicole Ortega of Santa Fe, NM; great grandchild, Claire of Phoenix, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband—the love of her life—Rev. Eliud Ortega of Santa Fe, NM; her parents, Mose and Elizabeth Pacheco of Trinidad, CO, and her siblings, Raymond Pacheco of Denver, CO, Bill Pacheco of Trinidad, CO, Arlene Ortiz of Trinidad, CO, Sam Pacheco of Trinidad, CO, Danny Pacheco of Saguache, CO, Richard Pacheco of San Diego, CA, and Johnny Pacheco of Birmingham, AL. Ruth was born on July 21, 1920 in Saguache, CO to Mose and Elizabeth Pacheco. As the eldest member of her large family, she had become the matriarch, bringing a lifetime of experiences, knowledge, and wisdom to those around her. Among her many accomplishments, including time spent as a court reporter, kindergarten teacher, and even a stint at the Denver Sheriff’s Department, she was the author of a novel titled Beloved , the account of her life as the wife of a burgeoning Presbyterian minister. Since 1966, Ruth was part and parcel of her beloved Westminster Presbyterian Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico—of which her husband was the pastor for nearly 25 years. Ruth sang in the choir, played piano and organ during services, was a member of the church social organizations, and always had Sunday dinner (often our favorite beans, red chile, and homemade tortillas) for her family and friends. For many in Santa Fe, she was best known as a piano teacher for over 40 years. She loved romantic Spanish music and church hymnals and enjoyed reading novels and watching classic westerns and dramas on television. Ruth was hard-working, handy, and industrious, exemplifying the D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) philosophy before it was cool. She was always building or painting something, reupholstering her furniture, gardening, remodeling, or decorating. She had a mischievous sense of humor, ruled with a gentle hand, and always made any place into a secure and loving home. A memorial service is scheduled for February 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church (841 W Manhattan Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501), with reception to follow. Memorial donations should be made to the Westminster Presbyterian Church Capital Building Fund, an endeavor to make several structural upgrades to the church’s historical building, which has stood since 1955. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Ruth’s life.