Antonio M. Ortiz, 98, longtime Deming resident passed away Wednesday June 28, 2017 at Mimbres Memorial Hospital.

Antonio was born November 21, 1918 to Celia Madrid and Luz Ortiz in Newman, New Mexico. His favorite stories were reminiscing of his cowboy days that began around the age of 10. He worked for the local ranches and also in the mining industry in Colorado. Antonio was later employed with Luna County as a heavy equipment operator and retired from there in 1980. His favorite pastimes were watching western movies, Family Feud and maintaining his yard. He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

He is survived by his children; Tony Ortiz, (Rebecca) of Las Cruces, their children, Kirsten Gutierrez and Evangelina Ortiz, Raul Ortiz (Gloriana) of Las Cruces, their children, Daniel and Gabriel Ortiz, Ruben Ortiz (Dolores) of Las Cruces, their children, Vanessa Mejias, Monica Gutierrez, and Ruben Ortiz Jr., Luz "Chamino" Ortiz of Deming, his children, Esteban Gonzales, Tiffany Gonzales, and Orlando Ortiz, Sonya Almanza of Deming, her daughter Brianna Martincigh, Patricia Cobos of Deming, her daughter Breann Cobos; great grandchildren are Logan and Malea Ortiz, Julyan and Janelle Gutierrez, Ariyanni Ortiz, Azriel Ortiz, Mariah Gonzales, Alexis, A.J. and Xavier Mejias, and Emy Gonzales; Antonio siblings are Socorro Carbajal of Deming, Manuela Parra, Raquel Ortiz and Olaya Ortiz of Mexico and he has numerous nieces and nephews.

Antonio was preceded in death by his parents, Luz and Celia Ortiz and wife, Ema Ortiz.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Ortiz, Gabriel Ortiz, Ruben Ortiz Jr., Orlando Ortiz, Esteban Gonzales, and Federico Martincigh.

Visitation will be Wednesday morning, July 5, 2017 at 9 o'clock at Saint Ann's Catholic Church where a prayer vigil will follow at 10 o'clock led by Christine Milo. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 o'clock with Fr. Ron Machado officiating. Concluding services and interment will follow at Mt. View Cemetery.