Merejildo V. Ortega

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing into eternal life of Merejildo V. Ortega 92, on December 13, 2025. Merejildo was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, and dedicated Veteran. He was born in Cundiyo to Anastacio and Grabielita Ortega and was a life long resident of Chimayo. He married his loving wife, Elma, and together they built their home and family in Chimayo. Merejildo and Elma shared 70 years of married life celebrating their anniversary in November 2024.

Merejildo joined the US Army at a young age in 1953. He was injured early on, which kept him from serving further, Nonetheless he served as a faithful and loyal Veteran volunteering all his life as a member of the American Legion and DAV. His most cherished memories were serving as a volunteer, driving his fellow Veterans to the VA Hospital in Albuquereque for over twenty years. He was recently honored with an official Proclammation of the City of Espanola recognizing his many years of service. Merejildo was a Carpenter and was a member of the Carpenters Union for 65 years. He was a member of the Chimayo Volunteer Fire Department, a hospital auxiliary member at Espanola Hospital, and a faithful usher at Holy Family Church. Merejildo was a hard worker and rancher who in his younger days loved raising cattle. He took pride in keeping his yard well-kept and decorated beautifully for Christmas. He was often seen watering his lawn and waving at those driving passed State Road 76.

Merejildo’s greatest joy came from family get togethers and spending good quality time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always loved traveling with his beloved Elma and her siblings to various locations. He spent time with his family, including this past Thanksgiving, when he delayed going to the hospital just to be with the family one last time.

Merejildo was preceded in death by his wife, Elma who passed away earlier this year, as well as his son Ricky Ortega. His parents Anastasio and Gabrielita Ortega. Brothers, Arturo and Clara Ortega, Roger and Harold Ortega, step-grandson Jimmy Vigil; in laws Jose Inez and Esquipula Valdez, brother and sister in laws Mary (Marina) Martinez, Celia and Flavanio Herrera, Ruperta and Teofilo Lopez, Amelia and Emeterio Vigil, Benny and Castelita Valdez.

He is survived by his daughters Nila and Ray Montoya, Orlinie and Sammy Velasquez, daughter in law, Roberta Ortega; grandchildren Olivia Martinez, Desiree Velasquez, Destiny and Derek Salazar, Matthew Montoya, Isaac and Jacqueline Montoya; Great grandchildren Vanessa, Dario, David, Bryan, Allie May Martinez, Brianna and Aaliyah Montoya, Elijah Velasquez, Donovan and Divinity Salazar.

Brothers Leo Ortega and Betty, Tom and Helen Ortega, sister Grace and Eddie Trujillo; Sister in law Linda Ortega; Brother in law Rocky Martinez. Many cousins, dear nieces and nephews and many friends too numerous to mention. Also grieving Merejildo are his special angels who helped care for him over the past few months, Sandra Lopez, nurses Lisa and Tanya, Carlos Esquibel and most recently the nursing and respiratory staff at the Espanola Hospital ICU.

A Public Viewing will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 4:30 pm, followed by a rosary at 5:00 pm at DeVargas Funeral Home, Espanola NM.

The Mass of Christian burial will be at Holy Family Church in Chimayo on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 am. Interment will be held at the Veterans National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 2:00 pm.

Serving as Pallbearers: Matthew and Isaac Montoya, Elijah Velasquez, Derek Salazar, Dario and David Martinez, Brian Ortega and Rudy Fernandez.

Honorary Pallbearers named are fellow Veterans Benardo Jaramillo and David Martinez, his great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

The family of Merejildo Ortega has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477