Elma Ortega

Elma Diane Ortega, a resident of Questa, NM passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family on September 5, 2025 after a lengthy battle with Parkinsons.

Elma was born on May 14, 1943 to Jose Ruben Ortega and Maria Corina Rael Ortega. She attended the Questa Schools until her graduation in 1961. Her classmates remember her beautiful voice and her graceful dance. She moved to Albuquerque, NM where she attended college and began her first job at 1st National Bank. From there, went to Paris Shoe Store and later to Western Warehouse in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Elma was a generous person who loved helping people in every aspect of their lives whether it be financial or physical or simply a gift of love. Elma had a warm and gentle spirit and incredible strength that came from her faith in God that we all admired. Her departure has left a void in the lives she touched but we will cherish the memories she left behind.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jose Ruben Ortega and Maria Corina Ortega; sister Elma Ervila Ortega; brothers Gabe Ortega and Ruben Ortega, Jr; brothers-in-law Victor Gonzales and Chris Sanchez; maternal grandparents Jose Albino Rael and Andrellita Mandonado Rael; paternal grandparents Jose Eulogio Ortega and Rosita Rael-Ortega; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Elma is survived by her sisters Jane Gonzales, Betty Sanchez, Loretta Ortega, Angela Chavez and Reyna Gonzales (Daniel); sister-in-law Marcelle Ortega; brother-in-law Joe Chavez; nieces Antoinette Quintana (Manny), Annette Flores (Randy), Gloria Trask (Ron), Yvonne Reneau (Gerry), Kristine Christman (Joe), Renee Davis (Cecil), Erica Gonzales-Gallegos (Derik), Katrina Gonzales (Justin), Danessa Gonzales (David); nephews Dominic Sanchez, Leonard Sanchez, Chris Sanchez (Heather), Ruben Ortega (Kim), Steve Ortega (Lisa), Anthony Chavez (Victoria), Andrew Chavez; many beloved great-nephews and nieces, cousins and friends.

Rosary will be recited on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 6:30pm.  Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 9:00am, both held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Questa, burial will follow at the San Pedro Cemetery. 

The family of Elma Diane Ortega has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com