Barbara (Ortega) Quinlan

BARBARA DIANE (ORTEGA) QUINLAN

On August 7, 2020, Barbara Diane Quinlan rode her favorite horse, “Eagle”, into the arms of her heavenly father after succumbing to complications resulting from years of diabetes and kidney disease.  She fought a long, valiant battle and never gave up the hope of someday receiving a donor kidney.  Barbara was born October 25, 1962, in Deming, New Mexico to Joe D. and Lillian A. Ortega.  She spent her entire life living and loving the ranching, roping and agricultural lifestyle in her beloved mountains around Chama, New Mexico.  On August 8, 1992, Barbara married Brian T. Quinlan and together they raised and produced cattle, and later added a flock of registered Dorper Sheep.  She was also an essential part of their very successful hunting guide business. We will miss her beautiful smile, her quick and hilarious wit, her patience and determination to share her knowledge of horses and ranching life with all her nieces, nephews, family and friends.  She will remain forever in our hearts.   Barbara was preceded in death by her father Joe D. Ortega and nephew Wesley W. Quinlan.  She is survived by her husband Brian, her mother Annette, siblings:  Anne, Cindy, Joe, and Jim (Nicole) Ortega.  Wayne & Sue Quinlan, Ron, Brad (Laura), Todd (Moker) Quinlan and Tammy (Mike) Emerich. Nieces/nephews: Trevor, Blake & Augusta Ortega.  Jeremy (Amber), Marissa, Kaitlyn, Ava, Lilah, Trenton, & Brynlee Quinlan, Joe Emerich, and numerous other family and friends.  A private celebration of Barb’s life will be held on the mountain where she and Brian spent their summers with their cattle and sheep. Barbara has been entrusted to DeVargas Funeral Home Espanola NM.  In lieu of flowers the family requests  donations be made in her name to:  AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION OR AMERICAN KIDNEY FUND. 505-747-7477

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