Albert Ignacio Age - 72 Rodarte Ortiz

Albert Ignacio Ortiz, was born on February 1, 1939 in Nolan, New Mexico to Gabriel Ortiz and Juanita Ortega and went home to be with the Lord at the age of 72 in Rodarte, NM on Sunday, April 24, 2011.\r\n For many years he was known as Lozano to his friends, he lived in Rodarte since he was 5 years old. He married Adelaida Romero from Vadito on April 11, 1955 and they just completed their 56th anniversary. They resided in Rodarte, NM. They attended church at the New Life Church in Rodarte until it closed, then they started going to Community Lighthouse Church in Las Vegas, NM.\r\n He was preceded in death by both parents, Gabriel Ortiz and Juanita Ortega; step-dad who raised him as his own, Bonifacio Fresquez from Rodarte; in-laws, Jacobo Montoya and Maria Romero from Vadito; brother-in-law, Harvey Fernandez from Rodarte; grandson, Michael Ortiz from Las Vegas, NM; uncle, Billy Ortega from Colorado; long time friend, John Santana from Nevada. Albert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Adelaida Ortiz from Vadito; brothers: Bonifacio Fresquez and wife Rose from Questa, Willie Fresquez and wife Patsy from Taos; mother-in-law, Dilia Montoya, 92 years old; children: Filiberto Ortiz from Rodarte, Reverend Gabriel Ortiz and wife Lita from Las Vegas, Albert Ortiz Jr. and wife Julia from Española, Louis Ortiz and Amy Lopez from Rodarte, Fabiola and husband George Romero Sr. from Taos, Valerie and husband Eddy Longoria from La Luz, April Ortiz and Eddie Garcia from Rodarte, ex daughter-in-laws: Jean Valerio, Albinita Muniz, Sarah Ortiz, Aiya Farnshorne, Christine Jackson; grand-daughters: Tysha and Koraya Sandoval, that he raised as his own daughters; grandchildren that he was raising as his own: JuanAntonio, Carlos and KimKaydence Ortiz; several nephews and nieces; aunts: Carmen and husband Cristobal Valerio and Virginia Ortega. He had 33 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.\r\n Albert had many friends from New York, California, to Texas and other States and many friends from surrounding areas; several sisters-in-law and their husbands and 1 brother-in-law.\r\n He was involved with the Rodarte Community Center for many years. He also worked as a firefighter with the Forest Service and as a Heavy Equipment Operator while making the roads between Santa Barbara and to Truchas.\r\n He was the Mayordomo for the Santa Barbara Ditch, for about 20 years. He loved to irrigate and take care of pastures, especially Sam Orr’s property. He also took care of cattle for Louis and Armando Sanchez from Alcalde, and also irrigated their land. He also helped with bailing hay. He was a guide for big game in New Mexico with his sons for several years, taking people up into the mountains on horseback when they were young.\r\n Albert was a good man to family, friends and even people he didn’t know. He made many friends. A Devotional will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at Victory Faith Church in Española. Memorial Service will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Peñasco Community Center with burial to follow at Vadito Cemetery. The family of Albert Ignacio Ortiz have entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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