Anita Jolyn Hotz

Anita Jolyn “AJ” Hotz, 38, of Manitou Springs, Colorado, passed away on January 11, 2023, in an accident.

Anita was born on August 27, 1984, to Alfreeta Sandoval in Pierre, South Dakota.  Anita graduated from Cuba High School, in Cuba, New Mexico, in 2002.  She went on to study at the University of New Mexico where she earned her Bachelor of Science (cum laude) and Master of Arts in Elementary Education, also earning Dean’s list honors every semester of both programs.

After graduation, Anita earned her first job as a teacher in Omaha, Nebraska.  She taught Pre-K and 4^th grade. Anita was also a Native American Resource teacher and a Native Indian Centered Education Teacher.  Also, during this time, she was a Curriculum Project Lead at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, NE.  In 2011 Anita moved to Eugene, Oregon, where she began her Doctor of Philosophy studies in Critical and Socio-Cultural Studies in Education.  During this program, she was also Teacher Assistant at the University of Oregon where she lectured undergraduate classes but most importantly to her, helped students succeed.  After her time in Eugene, she moved back to Omaha where she worked for the Omaha Public School System, teaching grades 6, 4, 2 and Kindergarten.

In 2019, Anita met Adam Hotz, and they wed in June of 2022.  Following their marriage, they relocated to Manitou Springs, Colorado, where they loved to explore!  Anita loved to hike, bike, take scenic drives, try new restaurants, walk her dog Jax, snowboard, go camping, bake, create gifts or notes for others and host or enjoy time with their many friends, family, and neighbors.

Anita was preceded in death by grandfather Frank Chee Willetto, uncle Dennis R. Willetto, godfather William Marino, aunt Francena Sandoval and uncle Fredrick Nelson. Anita is survived by her husband Adam Hotz, mother Alfreeta Sandoval, aunt Gail Willetto, uncle Frankie Willetto, Jr., aunt Priscilla Charley, aunt Marcella Willetto, aunt Peggy Willetto West, aunt Debbie Willetto, uncle David Willetto, aunt Elaine Devore, uncle DeWayne Nelson, godson Angelo Marino, godmother Xiomara Marino, godfather Raymond Sisneros, godmother Susan Sisneros, sister in-law Brooke Hotz, father in-law Charles Gleckler, mother in-law Paula Gleckler and many other family and friends. 

Anita was loved by many. She positively impacted so many lives across all the families, friends, and students she loved and cared for across her homes in New Mexico, Nebraska, Oregon, and Colorado. 

Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, located at 6440 Main St., Cuba, New Mexico, 87013, on Friday, January 27, 2023.  A Eulogy will start at 10:30 am and Mass will start at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow services and will take place at Cuba Baptist Cemetery.  Flowers can be sent to Daniels Family Funeral Services - Sara Chapel, located at 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM, 87124.  If sending flowers, please ensure they arrive by Thursday, January 26, 2023, to ensure they can be transported to the services.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a scholarship fund that will be set up in Anita’s name to help children, like so many Anita taught and loved, have an opportunity at education.  More information will be shared on that as it is established.