d. March 23, 2025

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); his 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; his 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 were Jeremy Ortega, Eli Ortega, Juan Gomez, Julian Gomez, Esteban Gomez, and Julian Ortega.
Rosary was recited at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Cerro on Friday, April 4, followed by the Mass of Christian burial and interment at the Cerro Cemetery.