Adrian "AJ" Ortega

Adrian “AJ” Ortega, 90, of Las Vegas, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at his home om January 27, 2026.  He was the beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose steady presence and quiet way of caring for others will be remembered by all who knew him.

Adrian married Mary Rita LeDoux (Ortega) in 1955, and together they spent many years raising their family and building a life side by side.  He worked hard throughout his life, including time as a grader operator with San Miguel County before retiring in 2001.  Like many of his generation, he did what needed to be done to provide for his family, showing up each day with dedication, responsibility, and little need for recognition.

He had a natural gift for storytelling and a great sense of humor.  He could hold a room with memories from years past, often shared with steady timing and understated wit.  He found humor in every day moments and had an easy way about him that made others feel comfortable.  He enjoyed fishing, leatherwork, painting, working on cars, and especially valued time spent with family, where his stories and laughter were often at their best.  Raised in the Catholic faith, he carried those values quietly throughout his life in a way he treated others and showed up for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adrian Ortega, Mary Q. Ortega; his sisters:  Gloria Barela, Annabelle Aragon, and Yvonne Quintana.  He is survived by his wife, Mary Rita Ortega; his children: Katherine Winter, Steve Ortega (Deeana Ortega), Virginia Duran (Ron Duran), and Roberta Montoya (Arthur Montoya); nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his sisters, Dolores and Molly.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 with a rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.  The interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.gonzalesfunerals.com          Arrangements are entrusted to Billy G. Rogers at Gonzales Funerals & Cremations, 2315 Hot Springs Blvd., Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-9319.

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