Manuel D. Ortega

Manuel D. Ortega, 88, from Questa, NM passed away peacefully on December 11, 2015 in Espanola, NM from natural causes. He was born in 1926 to Abran and Petrita Ortega (deceased). He was preceded in death by his brothers Pat and Ernest, his cousins Max and Tom and his sisters Connie, Rose and Diana. He is survived by his sister Rila. Manuel married Lucy Ortiz in 1944. Together, they raised a family of six children. He was preceded in death by his daughter Joann (Lester) Vigil. He is survived by his daughters Shirley (Floyd) Trujillo, Evelyn (Gary) Coggins, Priscilla (Douglas) Jett and Donna (Martin) Gutierrez. He is survived by his son Donald (Suzanne) Ortega. Manuel is survived by numerous grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Manuel was employed at Molycorp for over 20 years. In addition, he was a successful businessman and rancher in Questa. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and a commitment to his family.Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2015 from 2-4 PM at Rivera Chapel with a rosary at 6 PM at Rivera Chapel in Taos. Funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 10 AM at St. Anthony Parish in Questa. Manuel will be laid to rest in La Lama, NM. Manuel’s family extends a sincere thank you to all his family and friends during this difficult time. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited.