Annette Margaret Ortega, of Las Vegas, NM, passed away unexpectedly on August 5, 2026, at UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the age of 56. Annette was born to Pablo Angel Lopez and Filia Maria Lopez on May 22nd, 1970.

Annette was a lifelong Catholic, and a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church. She attended West Las Vegas Schools, then continued her education at LCC, where she completed her accounting degree. She worked for Walmart for over 20 years where she served as a human resources manager and then later as an Assistant Manager and Co-Manager in Las Vegas, Santa Fe, and Espanola. Annette also worked with the City of Las Vegas where she served as the Manager of the Senior Citizens Centers in Las Vegas, San Miguel, and Pecos. The clientele that she served at those centers loved her dearly because of her advocacy on their behalf.

Over the last 7 years, Annette developed a love for a new hobby. That hobby was playing pool. She was a fierce competitor, with many impressive wins under her belt. What Annette valued the most from this hobby was the incredible friendships that she formed within the pool playing community. Annette competed in several national amateur tournaments, and was a member of several teams, but the team that she most identified with was the all-women’s team “The Divas” of which she was one of the original founding members. Annette’s greatest passion was her family. She was an amazing wife to her husband, an incredible mother to her children, a phenomenal grandmother to her grandchildren, and a loving and fiercely devoted sister. She leaves behind a deep void in our hearts that will remain until we are united with her again, but we will all carry the beautiful memories of her in our hearts forever. She has left a deep and powerful imprint on the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

Annette was preceded in death by her fathers, Pablo Angel Lopez, and Alfonso Apodaca, her mother Filia Maria Lopez, her brother Pablo Lopez, and her sister Cynthia Lopez Molina, niece Megan Molina, nephew Joseph Portillo, great nephews Jose Jesus Lopez and Gabriel Hidalgo.

Annette is survived by her loving husband James Ortega; Daughter Jaklynn Ortega; Sons James Ortega III and wife Tasha of Surprise, Arizona, Joshua Ortega, and Jonah Ortega; Grandchildren Josiah Griego, Jeremiah Ortega, Jaylynn Romero, and Jayla Romero; Sister Annissa Apodaca (Sam); Special Aunt, Maxine Griego-Sotello; Father and Mother-in-law Jim and Lenore Ortega; Sisters in-law, Noreen Salazar, husband Mark, Barbara Padilla, husband Fermin; Nephews Martin Molina, Pablo Apodaca-Pekoc, Fermin Padilla, Marcus Salazar (Rachel) and Miguel Salazar (Jaci); Nieces Ashley Lopez, Felicia Lopez , Marrissa Apodaca-Pekoc, Mercedes Apodaca-Pekoc (Paul), Briana Molina, and Justine Padilla (Joshua); Great nephews, Pablo Lopez, Jordan Molina, Sammy Vigil, Joseph Vigil, David Gallegos, Nova Hidalgo, Acelina Apodaca-Pekoc, Esmeralda Apodaca-Pekoc; and one of her dearest friends since childhood, Beverly Quintana, who was like a sister to her and whom she spoke with nearly every single day. She is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends whom she cared for deeply.

A Rosary will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 6:00 pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:00 am, also at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. After the mass, we will gather at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Hall for a reception. Serving as pallbearers are James Ortega III, Joshua Ortega, Jonah Ortega, Josiah Griego, Jeremiah Ortega, Martin Molina, Fermin (Jay) Padilla, and Pablo Pekoc. Cremation will take place after services and burial of cremains will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 87701 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.