Raquel Ortiz, 87, a resident of Bayard, NM

Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 28 October 2020 28 October 2020

ortiz 02Raquel Gutierrez Ortiz, age 87 of Bayard, NM entered into eternal rest on Monday, October 26, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was born on August 10, 1933 in Zacatecas, Mexico to Manuel and Beatriz Gutierrez. Raquel was raised in Juarez, Mexico with her parents, three brothers and two sisters. At the age of 18, Raquel moved to Santa Rita, NM, where she met “El amor de su vida,” Cruz. They were married on July 23, 1953 in Las Cruces, NM. Raquel was known for her undeniable strength and compassion for the well-being of her family. She was of a giving nature and together with her husband wove a family of strength and unity. Family was Raquel’s greatest treasure.

She took great pride in guiding her loved ones with elegance and grace. She was truly the matriarch of the Ortiz family. One of her outstanding features was the lack of a filter and her telling like it was as she saw it through her eyes. She didn’t mince her words and everyone knew exactly where she stood on certain things.  She delighted in her evening rides with her husband and son, Tony, passing through the neighborhoods of their loved ones, visiting their children at the cemetery, or enjoying their ice cream treats.  Within the family, she was known for her “lucky” hand at poker and reveled in taking her winnings from her grandkids and most especially from her son-in-laws. The simplicity of her touch and the way she looked at you made you feel loved, proud, “straighten up”, or most importantly let you know everything would work out the way it should, followed by her classic, “esta bien.” Raquel was well known for her famous enchilada Mondays where you would often find a full house with everyone partaking in her delicious cooking and conversation. As the gates of Heaven opened for her arrival, her loving husband and children were there waiting with open arms.

Raquel is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cruz Ortiz, her children Olga Soto, Cruz Ortiz, Jr., great-grandson Zackary Cruz Salas, her parents Manuel & Beatrice Gutierrez, her brothers, Jesus and Ruben Gutierrez, and sister Socorro Valerio. She is survived by her loving children, Estella Salas (Javier), Sylvia Candelaria (Tony), Rose Jimenez (Manuel), Samuel Ortiz (Sandra), Rachel Lozano (Hector), Susie Terrazas (Robert), and Tony Ortiz. She is also survived by 30 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, sister Beatrice Rodriguez (Joe), and brother Arturo Gutierrez (Maria), and her Prima Amparo Terrazas .

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 30 from 5-6pm with the prayer vigil being recited by Dr. Gilbert Arizaga will begin at 6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The funeral mass will be on Saturday, October 31 at 1pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. Concluding service and interment will follow at Memory Lane cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Cruz & Javier Salas, Chan & Ramon Jimenez, Danny & Sam Ortiz, Salvador Quintana, Louie & Andres Aguilar, Joseph & Jason Lozano, Joseph & Anthony Sedillos, and Robert Terrazas, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are her son in-laws and granddaughters. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.

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