Estella G. Ortiz

A rosary for Estella G. Ortiz, 89, of Roswell, NM will be recited at 7:00 PM, Monday, August 25, 2014 at St. John’s Catholic Church. A funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at St. John’s Catholic Church with Fr. Eduardo Espinosa O.F.M. officiating. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Celebration of life reception will be held at the American Legion Hall. Beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away peacefully from her illnesses at ENMMC on Thursday, August 21, 2014. “Mama Stella” was born on June 4, 1925 in Lemore California. Our mother would like to be remembered as a person who loved to sing, she was a great cook, dancing was her passion, she also enjoyed fishing, hunting (until her husband sold her rifle). Mom also loved to spend time gardening. Mom is survived by her husband, Antonio Ortiz at the family home; her children, Syl Saavedra Jr. and wife, Margie of Rio Communities, New Mexico; Virginia Saavedra of Roswell; and Lily Estrada and husband Frank of Banning, Calif.; grandchildren, Monica Saavedra, Jessica Carrillo of Roswell; Carlos Cobos of Mesa Arizona; Stella Rodrigues and Sandra Saavedra of Torrance, Calif.; Jeffery Velasquez of Menifee, Calif. and Jeanette Bruneio of Claremont, Calif. Estella was a great-grandmother, aunt and God mother. Our mom will be greatly missed, but the world is now a better one because of her brief visit. Estella was preceded in death by her parents, Guadalupe and Alejandra Gonzales; brothers, Lupe and Fred Gonzales; sisters, Martha Duran, Emma Reyes and Mary Kirby; grandchildren, Syl Saavedra III; Anthony Saavedra, Salvadore Saavedra and great-grandson, Salvadore Saavedra. Estella said; To those I love and to all who loved me- When I am gone, release me, let me go, you mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears, just be happy that we had so many good years. I gave you my love and you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you have shown, for now it is time that I travel alone. So grieve for me a while if you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart, I won’t be far away, for life goes on, so if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near and if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear all of my love around you, soft and clear and when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile at the Gates of Heaven and say, “welcome home”. Pallbearers will be, Richard Duran, Debbie Flores, Danny Joe Reyes, Carlos Cobos, Raymond Urias, and Joseph Sais. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rhiannon Velasco, Ryan Burt, Melissa Medina, Anthony Cobos, Dan Reyes, Fred Gonzales III and Ramona (Her beloved God Daughter). The Familia of Estella Ortiz, would like to thank the caregivers who provided loving and affectionate care of our mother. We would like to thank the nurses of the ICU at ENMMC for all of their expertise and genuine care that was given to our Mother. As you attend our Mother’s service, we ask that each and every one wear something purple or lavender, as these were her favorite colors.

Estella G. Ortiz

June 4, 1925 - August 21, 2014