Kathy was born on November 13, 1951, to the late Elisa and David Ortega in Raton, New Mexico. Throughout her life, she was a beacon of love, kindness, humility, and resilience. She lived in Las Vegas, New Mexico, for the past 20 years, and before that, she called Amarillo, Texas, home for over 37 years. A proud graduate of West Las Vegas High School, Kathy later pursued her passion for caring for others by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a role that reflected her deep empathy and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around her.
Family was everything to Kathy. She cherished the moments spent with her loved ones and always went above and beyond to make each person feel valued and loved. Her heart was pure, her smile was infectious, and her presence made every room brighter. Kathy’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family, as she was a second mother to many and a steadfast friend to those lucky enough to call her one.
Kathy’s love for her family and friends was unconditional. She was known for her unwavering loyalty, her nurturing nature, and her ability to offer a listening ear or a comforting hug when it was needed most. Her kindness and compassion were immeasurable, and she left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elisa and David Ortega; her brothers, David Ortega Jr., Juan Ortega, and Brigido Ortega; her sisters, Lucy Bustos, Delia Ortiz, and Rebecca Ortega; her brothers-in-law, Eloy Ortiz, Joe Gonzales, Lawrence Salazar, Nicholas Kavanaugh and R.C. Laird; her sisters-in-law, Concha Ortega, Mary Ortega, Louise Ortega, Emily Rodriguez; her nieces, Veronica Quintana, Bridget Sandoval, Heather Salazar, Laura Enright, and Betty Arriola; her nephews, Alexander Gallegos, Joey Portillo, David Ortiz, Johnny Ortega; and a special family friend, Natividad Barajas Centeno (Mario).
Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Cesario Rodriquez of almost 50 years of marriage in Las Vegas, New Mexico; her daughter, Pamela Rodriguez (Johnny Jimenez); her three grandchildren, Anthony (wife Patricia) of Belen, NM, Olivia Tenorio of Las Vegas, NM, and Orlando Tenorio of Albuquerque, NM; her great-grandson, Brendan Flores of Belen, NM; her sisters, Josie Gonzales of Raton, NM, Annie Salazar of Albuquerque, NM, Margie Laird of Phoenix, AZ, Lorraine Gallegos (Albert) of La Manga, NM; sisters-in-law, Stella Ortega of La Manga and Mary Ortega, California, Nettie Sandoval of Santa Fe, NM, and Delia Navarro of Colorado; her brothers, Lawrence Ortega of Santa Fe, NM, Jimmy Ortega (Lenore) of La Manga, NM, Tom Ortega of Albuquerque, NM, Bobby Ortega (Dolores) of Corrales, NM; her brother-in-law, Lorenzo Rodriguez; her stepchildren, Lori Gomez (Robert), Walter Rodriquez, Paul Rodriquez, and Angela Rodriquez; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Kathy’s legacy of love and devotion will continue to live on in the many lives she touched. She was a proud member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church and the Upper Room Prayer Group, where her faith and her kindness left a lasting impression. Kathy was a life-long Catholic, went to Saint Joseph’s Catholic School in Raton, and continued her love for God throughout her life.
In honor of Kathy’s deep Catholic faith, we find comfort in these words from the Bible:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7
A Rosary will be recited on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial with celebrant Reverent Rob Yaksich. Kathy will be laid to rest at the Santo Nino de Atocha Capilla Cemetery at La Manga, New Mexico, with her nephew, Ricardo Maestas, as the celebrant. Honorary pallbearers will be Anthony Flores, Orlando Tenorio, Lawrence Ortega, Jimmy Ortega, Tommy Ortega, and Robert Ortega/Vicente Ortiz.
For those unable to attend the services in person, services will be live-streamed on WWW.oloslasvegas.org OR on Facebook @OLOS.LV.
Special thanks to the Staff at Cancer Center in Santa Fe, NM, Alta Vista Hospital, Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, NM and Anvoy Hospice staff and a special thanks to Maggie Rivera, RN for her unconditional care, love and support during these difficult times.
Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701. For more information, please call 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.
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