d. Sept. 5, 2025
Elma Diane Ortega, a resident of Questa, N.M. passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family on Sept. 5, 2025 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s.
Elma was born 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, N.M. where she attended college and began her first job at 1st National Bank. From there, she worked at 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 was recited on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass was on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 at 9 a.m., both held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Questa, burial followed at the San Pedro Cemetery.
The family of Elma Diane Ortega entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. (866) 657- 4019 www.devargastaos.com
