Juan Ortega

On January 31st 1986, Cruz Ortega was born to Juan Ortega and Annie Ortega in Roswell New Mexico. Cruz married Geraldine in Albuquerque New Mexico on June 8th 2016. Cruz was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. He used to work in the oil fields with his brother Albert and he also did screen printing. A viewing for Cruz will be held at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a rosary to begin at 6:00 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at South Park Cemetery. Cruz was many things like funny, outspoken, smart, protective, loyal, proud, determined, caring, handsome, but most importantly he was a family oriented man and the best dad ever. Cruz’s favorite past time was spending Thanksgiving with his family in 2020, at his grandpa Barreras’ house where he made his first turkey. Despite life’s challenges, he always managed to find joy and make the best of his circumstances. Cruz was the type of person who-no matter his situation or stage in life-was resilient. He was stubborn, but strong and always stood ten toes down. He was a fighter who never gave up. He loved music, singing and dancing, but he enjoyed most was watching his TV shows with his family and watching sports. His favorite teams are the NHL San Jose Sharks and NFL Las Vegas Raiders. One thing to know about Cruz is that he unapologetically loved what he loved. He is a very authentic person who stayed true to his roots, his culture and his self. Cruz never needed outside approval because he was confident in who he is. Cruz will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His ability to light up a room and bring a smile to people’s faces, is something we will always remember. Those left to eternally treasure and cherish Cruz’s memory are his wife, Geraldine Orona-Ortega; children: Nadiah Ortega, Aceya Ortega, Diamond Ortega, Reyna Ortega; step-children: Steven, Stephanie and Jazzlynn; mother, Annie Ortga; brother, Albert and wife Sonia Ortega; sister, Ashley Ortega and fiancé Miguel Gabaldon; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; nieces and nephews: Ariana and husband Christian Sanchez, Anabel Ortega, Alijah Ortega, Michael Ortega, Aeliana Ortega; brothers and sisters from the East Side, CTR and Nuevo Mexico, real ones, you know who you are! Cruz is preceded in death by his father, Juan Ortega; paternal grandparents: Guadalupe and Dora Ortega; maternal grandparents: Jerry and Josephine Barreras; paternal great-grandparents: Carmen and Jesusita Ortega; maternal great-grandparents: Mariano and Mable Flores; uncle: Ernesto Barreras. Those blessed to be chosen as honorary pallbearers Ashley Ortega, Suzie and Tania Coronado, Joseph Silva, Diamond Ortega, Armando “Mundy” Barragon, Jacob Gonzales, Creep Thyberg, Celest Gabaldon. Those honored to be chosen as pallbearers Albert Ortega, Aceya Ortega, Steven Orona, Joe Silva, Richard Thyberg, Monster, Lil Magoo, Miguel Gabaldon, and John Isaacs. Cruz’s tribute was lovingly written by his family.

Juan Ortega

January 31, 1986 - July 9, 2026