It is with heavy hearts and tremendous love, we announce the passing of our beloved Rosa Isela Ortega, who passed away on August 5, 2026, at the age of 68. Rosa was born on March 29, 1958, in El Porvenir, Chihuahua, Mexico, to Ana Lujan Ortega and Fernando Ortega. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and a woman of Catholic faith. Rosa's greatest joy and accomplishment in life was raising her two children, Lupe and Denise. As a single mother, she raised them with strength, sacrifice, faith, and an incredible amount of love. She did not have an easy road, but with the support of her family, she made sure her children were loved and cared for. She was immensely proud of the family she built, and nothing meant more to her than seeing her children grow and having grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Family truly was the center of Rosa's world. Rosa shared a very close bond with her brothers and sisters, whom she loved dearly. Rosa was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Somehow, she always looked beautiful even first thing in the morning. Throughout life's challenges Rosa never lost her beauty, dignity, or presence that made her who she was. She was still Rosa—beautiful, strong, proud, and always herself. Rosa also knew how to enjoy life. She loved going to the casino, laughing, spending time with her family, and simply being around the people she loved. She worked for many years as a caregiver, a reflection of the caring and compassionate person she was. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life. Rosa attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and continually turned to God in prayer for strength, forgiveness, guidance, and protection for her family. Rosa is survived by her children, Lupe Duran Jr. (Celena) and Denise Duran (Charlie); her grandchildren, Ariana Duran, Stefani Duran, Matthew Duran, and Mia Lopez; and her beloved great-granddaughter, Aaliyah Meza. She is also survived by her brothers, Jesus Ortega (Andre); Fernando Ortega II (Ruby) her sisters, Lupe Salinas (Ernesto), Martha Nevarez (Freddy), and Beatriz Ortega; along with numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Rosa also leaves behind her much-loved grand-dogs, Benji, Millie, Luna, and Shugs, who held a special place in her heart. She was preceded in death by her father, Fernando Ortega, Sr.; her mother, Ana Lujan Ortega; and her beloved baby sister, Armida Puentes (Fernie P.).

A prayer vigil will be held on Tuesday August 25, 2026 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 3600 Paroquia Street. Visitations will begin at 05:00 P.M. and Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 06:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday August 26, 2026 at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Interment and Rite of Committal will conclude at the Tortugas Cemetery.

Serving as casket bearers will be: Matthew Duran, Eric Nevarez, Fernando Ortega III, Richard Bertoldo, Marc Ortega, Jacob Nevarez. Honorary casket bearers will include Fernando Puentes, Ernesto Salinas, Bobby Bertoldo Jr. Michael Ortega, Joseph Benavidez, Adrian Madrid, Fernie Ortega IV, Alejandro Nevarez, Maddox Lindsay, Daxx Nevarez. Along with numerous nephews and nieces. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort in our faith in knowing how deeply Rosa was loved. We will miss her beauty, her strength, her prayers, her laughter, and simply having her with us. Above all, we will miss our Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Everything she sacrificed and everything she did for her family will never be forgotten. Her love will live on through the family she worked so hard to build. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace, Amen

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com