Jerry Leo Ortega June 7, 1961 Jan. 10, 2026 With great sadness, We announce the passing of Jerry Ortega 64. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was born in Santa Fe, NM to Leo and Esther. A resident of Albuquerque, NM. with the Love of Chimayo forever in his heart. He was raised in Las Vegas Nevada most of his youth and early teen years and Chimayo his teenage to adulthood. He married his loving wife, La Verne Garcia Ortega and made their home in Albuquerque. Blessed, with 42 years together. 

Jerry served in the US Army, worked at LANL,Motorola, Intel, Fed Ex and Kirtland Air force base, with a degree in ITT and Eclipse Aviation. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time with his grandchildren, enjoying dining out, motorcycle rally events, gathering with family and friends, always willing to help others and always ready to have his photo taken. Jerry leaves everlasting memories with all those that crossed his path.

Jerry was preceded in death by his sister JoAnn Ortega, twin siblings, step-brother Gary Martinez, son in-law Richard Jones,Joshua Montoya and Michael Mendoza, brother in-law Ronnie Garcia, father in-law Bobby Borrego Maternal grandparents Felimon (Anita) Sandoval, Paternal grandparents Anastasio (Gabrelita) Ortega, Grandparent in-law Medardo (Octiviana) Garcia, Uncles Nick & Felimon Sandoval, Merejildo (Elma), Arturo (Clara), Roger, Harold Ortega, Cousins Flaymon Sandoval Jr, Michael & Ricky Ortega, Gerard Vigil. He is survived by his wife La Verne Garcia Ortega, his daughters Annette, Shayna, Clarissa Ortega. Grandchildren whom he raised as his own -Aaliyah, Joshua, Austin, Jynelle, Jasmyn, and Aspyn Montoya. Marcus Jones, Unnileigh Brown, Estrella Ortega, Victoria Lopez. Mother Esther Keller, Father Leo Ortega (Betty), Mother in-law Marcella Garcia, Step-Mom Aurelia Fernandez. Sisters Jennifer (Frank) Gutierrez, Bernadette Lopez, Sharon (Craig) Trujillo, sister in-laws Zelda (Edgar) Pacheco, Claudette (John) Vigil, a supportive Uncle, Tom (Helen) Ortega, Flaymon Sandoval, Aunts Grace (Eddie) Trujillo, Linda Ortega, Dora Nelson, Godsons Anthony Romero, Eligio Velasquez Jr and special cousins Mark Vigil, Mayo (Trapper) Martinez and Many other relatives and friends, too many to mention.

Pall bearers: Marcus Jones, Joshua and Austin Montoya, Eligio Velasquez Jr, Anthony Romero and Trapper Martinez. Honorary bearers: Juan Manzanares and Mark Vigil.

Special thank you to Samuel and Lorraine Areallno for performing services. Viewing will be held at Daniels Funeral Home 7601 Wyoming NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 2:00pm-4:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Risen Savior Catholic Church 7701 Wyoming NE Albuquerque NM 87109 on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 10:00 am with a reception following in the Parish Hall.