Armando Ortega

Armando Ortega, 83, a lifelong resident of Cerro, NM, fought a valiant fight against cancer but in the end his body and spirit were exhausted. He was called home on March 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Armando was born on February 3, 1942, to Alberto and Josephine Ortega. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and planted a large garden every year. As he got older, his life enjoyment changed to include more visits to the casinos. He worked most of his career for the Molycorp mine in Questa and other mines in Colorado. He also worked as a substance abuse counselor for several years, helping others with sobriety which he maintained for 40 years

Armando is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Mary Cisneros Ortega; brother Carlos Ortega (Bennie); son Johnny Gomez; and grandson Nicky Baca.

He is survived by his wife Rose Ortega; his children Michael Ortega (Annette), Vince Ortega, Isaac Gomez, Nick Baca (Kristie), and Suzie Chavez (Cruz). Grandchildren; Mary Luna (Abe), Jeremy Ortega, Erica Ortega, Mikayla Ortega, Crista Ortega, Eli Ortega, Juan Gomez, Julian Gomez, Esteban Gomez, Jordan Ritchlin-Cruz, Sienna Chavez, Gianna Chavez and Johnny Baca. Great-grandchildren; Julian Ortega, Xzander Luna, Kingston Luna, Vayda Luna, and Micah Martin. He also had many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He is also survived by his siblings; Tess Morales (+Larry, +Juan) Elmer Ortega (+Eleanor), Sister-in-law Bennie Ortega, Rose Cintas (+Tony), Ruth Ortega (Antonio), Fran Vialpando (Marcello), and Jimmy Martinez.

Pallbearers serving the family are Jeremy Ortega, Eli Ortega, Juan Gomez, Julian Gomez, Esteban Gomez, and Julian Ortega.

Rosary will be recited at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cerro on Friday, April 4th at 9:00 am, followed by the Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 am and interment immediately following the mass at the Cerro Cemetery.

The family invites his family and friends to share in a meal after the interment at the Questa VFW.

The family of Armando 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