Oralia Ortega

Oralia Lore Salas Ortega

Nuestra Querida Mama, Abuela ye Hermana, encuentro a Jesus Cristo en La Gloria en el dia de Abril 8, 2009. Our beloved mother, grandmother and sister met Jesus Christ in heaven on April 8, 2009. Like our dad, mother you went to be with God during Holy week, what an honor and a blessing. A rosary service will be held on Sunday April 12th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Johns Catholic Church at 311 E. Albuquerque Street. The burial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 13th at St. Johns. The burial will be held at South Park Cemetery. Father Juan Montoya, O.F.M. will conduct the Mass Celebrating our mothers life. Oralia was born to Gregorio and Delfida Salas on May 21, 1925. She was 83 years old. Her parents preceded her in death. She was raised in her beloved Hondo Valley. Her father and mother moved the family to Roswell during the Great Depression of the 1930s, to make things better for the family. Oralia married Eloy A. Ortega Sr. in Roswell, NM, on September 14, 1946, shortly after Eloy returned from WWII. They struggled but enjoyed a 58 year marriage, while having and raising eight children.

Oralia was preceded in death by her husband Eloy A. Ortega Sr. She was also preceded in death by her beloved brothers Ruben and Jim Pineda and Fred and Joe Salas. Her beloved sisters Velia Flores and Annie Vasquez also preceded her in death. Oralia is survived by sister Vitalia and husband Johnny Gonzales of San Antonio, TX, Brother David Salas and wife Baby of Roswell. Other survivors are brother in law, Pat Garcia and wife Lucille of Denver, CO, and sister in law Concha Encinias of Santa Rosa, NM. Surviving children are Anna Mae Marrujo and Charlie, Theresa Martinez and Ramon, Eloy Ortega Jr., Fred Ortega and Vera, Daniel Ortega and Helen, Ernest Ortega and Lorena, Robert Ortega and Eloise, Andy Ortega and Lydia. Oralia is survived by 24 grandchildren. Monica Chumley, Carlos, Danny and John Marrujo, Lorena Guzman, Dolores Schut, Adrian, Danny, Jeff, Gabriel, Adam and Roman Ortega, Vanessa Estrada, Renee Herrera, Yvette and Kathleen Ortega, Alisa Cannon, Christine, Dianne and Robert Ortega and Krystal and Andrea Ortega, Jose and Maria Martinez. She is also survived by 33 great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren. Oralia is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

Oralia enjoyed gardening vegetables and growing beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed cooking for and being with her family. She also loved to go to church on Sundays to worship and visit with friends. She was gifted with true Faith in God and a lifelong devoted member of St. Johns Catholic Church. Although our mother suffered from illness she accepted it and everyday to her was a gift from God. Her departing words to her children after a visit were God Bless you Mijo Son and Mija Daughter. She always encouraged her children to attend Mass on Sundays. She loved to help assist others that were less fortunate. Throughout her life she assisted the ill, especially caring for her elderly parents. She was very much involved in raising her grandchildren taking care of them while they were young because their parents had to work to make things better for their children. Until the last days of her life she continued to help care for her great, great grandchildren. This was her passion in life, taking care of children.
P We recall the 1950s when the homeless or hobos would travel through Roswell on the freight trains. They would hop off the freight trains and go to the green house by the little store on east Bland Street, near the railroad tracks. Apparently the word got around by the hobos that the lady in the green house would give them food. They would knock on the door and ask for food. Our mother would gladly feed them. She would say that no one should go hungry and we should help and feed the less fortunate. Her greatest joy and pride were her eight children. Through difficult times she always cared for us. She thought of her children as regalos de dios, gifts from God. She also felt the same way about her grandchildren. Mom we know that you are in hands of God in Heaven. You would tell us that you would be happy to join dad in Heaven someday. What a blessing mom you did so on Holy Week. You longed to join Gramma and Granpo Salas, your parents in heaven. You also talked about joining your brothers and sisters in heaven your day has come mother, we are happy for you. We find comfort and are at peace that you have

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, April 9, 2009
8:00 A.M

Service

Rosery

St. Johns Catholic Church
506 S. Lincoln
Roswell, NM  88203
Sunday, April 12, 2009
7:00P.M.

Funeral Mass

St. Johns Catholic Church
506 S. Lincoln
Roswell, NM  88203
Monday, April 13, 2009
7:00 P.M.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203